Interviewer: Hello Mr. Alex, thank you for taking the time for today’s interview. As the Senior HR Manager at UKeU, could you share a bit about the company’s HR philosophy?
Mr. Alex: Thank you! At UKeU, we always consider our employees as our most valuable asset. We do not just recruit staff; we invest in their development. With the rapidly evolving job market, we believe that a degree is not the sole determinant of success—practical skills and continuous learning are far more crucial.
Interviewer: How has UKeU approached this issue?
Mr. Alex: One of the things we do is implement quarterly internal training programs to help employees enhance their skills and stay updated with new knowledge. However, we realized that training alone is not enough—we needed a system to measure and recognize employee progress. That is where APEL.Q emerged as the perfect solution.
Interviewer: Can you explain what APEL.Q is and why it is important to UKeU?
Mr. Alex: Of course! APEL.Q (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications) is a competency-based assessment process that evaluates real-world experience rather than relying on traditional theoretical exams. This means that employees do not need to return to school to obtain degrees; instead, they can use their existing skills and work experience to demonstrate their competencies.
For UKeU, this is a groundbreaking step. Employees not only have the opportunity to obtain formal certification but also to prove to HR that they are truly progressing in their careers, thus opening up fairer promotion opportunities.
Interviewer: Specifically, how has APEL.Q impacted the recruitment and talent development process at UKeU?
Mr. Alex: There are three key benefits that APEL.Q brings to us:
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Hiring the right person for the right job: We no longer rely solely on CVs and degrees. Now, we can accurately assess candidates’ real competencies, ensuring they truly meet job requirements.
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Fairer career progression: Previously, many talented employees were limited in their career growth due to a lack of formal degrees. With APEL.Q, they can prove their capabilities through real work experience, creating a fairer advancement opportunity for everyone.
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Encouraging continuous learning: When employees know that their efforts will be recognized, they become more proactive in learning and self-development. This helps UKeU foster an open, innovative, and constantly evolving work environment.
Interviewer: Can you share a specific case where APEL.Q helped an employee grow at UKeU?
Mr. Alex: Absolutely! I recall an employee in the project management department who had been with us for over five years. He was highly skilled with extensive practical experience but lacked the required degree to apply for a higher position.
Previously, if he wanted to advance, he would have had to go back to school for a degree, which would be costly and time-consuming. However, with APEL.Q, he was able to use his completed projects, management skills, and work experience to gain formal recognition. After the assessment process, he received a certification equivalent to a formal degree and was promoted to a senior management position.
Interviewer: In your opinion, should other businesses adopt APEL.Q?
Mr. Alex: Absolutely! I believe every company has talented employees waiting to be recognized. APEL.Q not only helps businesses recruit and develop talent more effectively but also fosters a fair culture where effort and actual ability are valued rather than just a degree.
Interviewer: Do you have any advice for employees who want to advance in their careers but lack the right degree?
Mr. Alex: Be proactive in learning, developing your skills, and do not let a degree be a barrier. If you have real competencies, find a way to prove them. And APEL.Q is one of the best ways to do that.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing such valuable insights! Wishing UKeU continued success with innovative HR initiatives like APEL.Q.
Adapted from an interview with Mr. Alex, Senior HR Manager at UKeU.