Do you have experience in supply chain, but you don’t have a related post-secondary credential? Are you a foreign-trained professional with experience in the supply chain sector and want to continue your career in Canada? In partnership with Supply Chain Canada, NorQuest College has developed a new Prior Learning and Assessment Platform to streamline your pathway into a supply chain career.
What is Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)?
A PLAR assessment is a test that will determine and validate your skills or knowledge in certain areas. It’s designed to recognize the experience you've gained while working in the industry, so you can excel in your career.
When you go through one of the four assessments and meet the requirements, you will receive a digital badge that recognizes your competency and knowledge in that area.
These badges are recognized by both NorQuest College and Supply Chain Canada.
Benefits of completing a PLAR assessment
Once you’ve acquired this badge, employers will know you have the appropriate skills and knowledge to succeed as a Supply Chain Professional and can enter the workforce. Through PLAR assessments, you do not need to take the full Supply Chain program at NorQuest or complete another degree elsewhere. Instead, you can complete the assessments and—if successful—fast-track your career.
You will also have the option of enrolling in soft skills workshops and a facilitated work experience opportunity with a Supply Chain employer.
When you pass the assessment, you will work with a career coach that will help you find a work placement, and you’ll receive a 1-year membership to Supply Chain Canada. This will help you form connections in the industry and gain valuable work experience.
Competencies NorQuest assesses for Supply Chain
NorQuest will assess a variety of competencies that include:
- Procurement
- Transportation
- Operations Management
- Warehousing
If you think that you have the knowledge and expertise in any of the above areas—but lack a formal Canadian credential—then this program might be for you!
Cost and length of assessments
PLAR assessments for the Supply Chain program at NorQuest are fully funded. There is no cost for participants. Additional funds are available if you need assistance with travel and/or supplies to successfully complete your work placement.
Depending on how many assessments you choose to take, it can take up to six weeks to complete.
Admission requirements
- Resident of Alberta
- Currently unemployed OR not employed in the supply chain industry
- At least 1 year of experience in the supply chain industry and/or a post-secondary degree in a related discipline
- Minimum of CLB 6 and/or IELTS 5/6
Next steps
If you’re ready to start or continue your Supply Chain career, apply for PLAR today! Once your application is submitted, NorQuest will review your eligibility and contact you with next steps. If you are accepted into the PLAR program, a Student Advisor will discuss how you can prepare for the assessment and provide access to student handbook materials.
If you are successful in your assessments and meet the minimum requirements, you’ll move onto the facilitated work placement component with the help of a career coach. You’ll then receive a digital badge in recognition of your skills and experience.
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