Recognition of Prior Learning in Vocational Training: A Lever for Equity for the Black Community in Québec
by Patricia Ogé, CERAC Counselor
In Québec, the Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) in vocational training is an essential tool for promoting inclusion, equity, and the valorization of non traditional pathways. In a world where updating and demonstrating one’s skills has become indispensable, this mechanism is more relevant than ever.
During Black History Month, it is especially important to highlight the significance of RAC for the Black community, whose economic, social, and cultural contributions profoundly enrich Québec society. Examples abound: influential figures in academia, politics, literature, the arts, business, and many other fields.
RAC allows individuals to have their skills officially recognized—whether acquired through work experience, informal training, or studies completed abroad. For many members of the Black community, particularly those who immigrated to Québec, this process represents a crucial bridge toward faster and fairer professional integration. Too often, real and relevant skills remain invisible due to the lack of formal recognition, leading to underemployment and precarious work.
Recently, I joined the corporate services department, and as a CERAC advisor, I support English‑language school service centres in developing better practices and tools to give their candidates the best possible chance of success. RAC is a true springboard: it enables many individuals to reach a professional milestone that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise.
In vocational training, RAC offers a concrete alternative to traditional pathways. It reduces both the time and cost of training while respecting the reality of adults who must balance work, family, and studies. For the Black community, it helps dismantle systemic barriers linked to the non recognition of foreign credentials, prejudice, and unequal access to qualified employment.
Highlighting RAC during Black History Month means acknowledging not only the challenges but also the resilience, expertise, and potential of my community. It is a reminder that equity in education and employment requires policies and practices that value individuals’ real world experience.
By strengthening access to RAC in vocational training, Québec reaffirms its commitment to a more inclusive society—one where skills matter more than origin, and where every journey deserves to be recognized at its true worth. When we recognize experience, we unlock potential!
