— A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Bringing skills and
Opportunity.
At Brickwood Distance Learning, our mission has always been to empower working adults in Malaysia with accessible, high-quality education that directly impacts their career progression.
I am delighted to announce that Brickwood Distance Learning, based in Klang, Malaysia, has officially partnered with City College Birmingham, United Kingdom, to launch a ground breaking TVET – RPEL (Technical, Vocational Education and Training – Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning) program designed specifically for working adults.
Through this strategic twinning partnership, we are bringing UK-recognised vocational standards to Malaysia, giving working adults the opportunity to convert their years of practical work experience into a TVET – RPEL diploma qualification.
We believe that learning should not pause just because a career has begun. This program offers the flexibility, prestige, and practical application needed to advance to the next level in your career.
Join us in embracing a new era of industry-focused, flexible education.
South & City College Birmingham · United Kingdom
— AWARDING BODY
City College Birmingham.
City College Birmingham was originally established as a standalone further education college, serving tens of thousands of local students before being absorbed into one of the largest educational providers in United Kingdom. Its educational roots stem back to the 1800s and 1900s, encompassing several foundational vocational and technical schools.
The history of City College Birmingham is a story of continuous evolution, local expansion, and crucial institutional mergers that helped shape vocational education in the UK. It officially merged into South & City College Birmingham in August 2012 — a combined institution that today provides both vocational and academic education.
South and City College Birmingham now supports over 25,000 students every year, offering everything from GCSEs and A-levels to vocational, automotive, and higher education courses. As a government-funded further and higher education provider, it stands among the largest further education bodies in the UK.
City College Birmingham is the official global operator delivering UK-accredited courses across borders. Mortha Halls of Ivy is the parent global operator that owns and operates City College Birmingham as its trading name for international students — creating learning opportunities that help students build skills, confidence, and connection for success in an interconnected world.
South & City College Birmingham · United Kingdom
1800s
Vocational roots trace back
25,000+
Students supported each year
2012
Merged into South & City College
— WHAT WE DO
You have already done the learning. We make it official.
For years, you’ve solved problems, led teams and mastered your profession yet none of that may be reflected on a formal recognition.
Through our TVET – RPEL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathway, we assess the knowledge, skills and experience you have already gained through work and turn them into a nationally or internationally recognised qualification.
Our assessment focuses on the skills, experience and what you can actually do – not traditional classroom learning. It includes:
- Competency – based assessments
- Professional interviews
- Evidence of workplace experience
- Project papers
- Designed for Busy Working Adults
Our flexible, adult-first approach is ideal for professionals balancing work, family and other commitments. There is no need to start from the beginning when you’ve already builds years of valuable experience.
You’ve earned the experience. Now earn the qualification
— WHO IT’S FOR
Built for experienced professionals ready to gain formal recognition.
If your skills come from years of hands-on experience rather than classroom study, TVET-RPEL is designed for you. We recognise the knowledge and competence you’ve built through real work.
Skilled Employees
You’ve mastered your trade through practical experience. Turn your hard-earned skilled into a recognised TVET - REPEL diploma or certificate.
Career Climbers
A formal qualification can open the door to promotions, higher salary grades, licensing opportunities and career advancement- recognising the experience you’ve already earned.
Entrepreneurs & Owners
Validate your expertise with an accredited qualification that helps you build credibility, meet industry requirements and strengthen your position when bidding for contracts or serving clients.
The Self-Taught
No diploma on paper? No problem, TVET - RPEL recognises the skills, knowledge and experience you’ve gained through work self-learning and real world practice.
— Why Choose TVET – RPEL?
Transform your professional experience into a recognised qualification
A Faster Pathway
Skip years of traditional coursework. Your assessment is based on the skills, knowledge and experience you already have.
Built for Working Adults
No fixed timetable, Complete the process while continuing to work and manage your personal commitments.
Cost-Effective
One of the most economical and best-value pathways to gaining a recognised qualification.
Real-World Recognition
Qualifications are mapped to national TVET - RPEL standards, giving you a credential that is recognised by employers and aligned with industry and regulatory expectations.
— Your experience has already proven your competence, Now, let it earn you the qualification you deserve.
Your journey to a TVET - RPEL professional Diploma in Five Simple Steps
Share Your Skills and Work Experience
Tell us about your employment history, practical skills and industry experience.
STEP 1 / 5
Eligibility Assessment
We review your background to determine your suitability for the TVET - RPEL pathway.
STEP 2 / 5
Prepare Your Portfolio
Compile evidence of your knowledge, skills and work achievements with our guidance.
STEP 3 / 5
Competency Evaluation
Your portfolio and competencies are assessed through interviews, practical evidence and professional discussions.
STEP 4 / 5
Receive Your Qualification
Once you have successfully meet the competency requirements, you are awarded your nationally recognized TVET - RPEL Diploma.
STEP 5 / 5
— From Experience to Qualification
“The Qualification That Turned Experience into Opportunity”
Turn your work experience into TVET-RPEL
Qualification.
This emphasizes the key benefits that appeal most to working adults, recognition of experience, flexible and a faster pathway to qualification.
At Brickwood, your qualification is built around your existing work experience and skills. Through the TVET-RPEL pathway, your years of practical experience will be recognised and assessed, giving you the opportunity to earn a qualification without following traditional classroom-based learning.
How you Earn Your Qualification?
- Built Around Your Work Experience
Your skills and experience are the foundation for your qualification. - No Traditional Study Methods
No classroom, exams or lengthy cause work - Recognised Awarding Body
Earn a qualification awarded through a recognised institution. - Competency-Based Assessment
Demonstrate what you already know through interviews, portfolio and practical evidence. - Fast, Flexible & Adult-Friendly
Designed for working adults to gain formal recognition for their existing competencies.
5+
Years guiding working adults
500+
Qualifications awarded
95%
Assessment success rate
0
Classroom hours required
— QUESTIONS
Everything you
wanted to ask.
Still unsure whether RPEL fits your situation?
A free consultation is the fastest way to find out.
TVET – RPEL (Technical, Vocational Education and Training – Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning) is a pathway that recognises the knowledge, skills and competencies you have gained through years of work experience. Instead of attending traditional classes, you are assessed through your portfolio, evidence of work and a competency evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirement qualification standards.
No, TVET-RPEL is designed for experienced working adults. There is no regular classroom sessions. The assessment focuses on the skills and knowledge you have already demonstrated in the work placed.
The timeframe depends on your experience, the completeness of your portfolio and the assessment schedule. During your free consultation, we will provide a realistic estimate based on your individual circumstances.
Most applicants qualify if they have several years of relevant work experience in the field they wish to be assessed in. A free eligibility assessment will determine whether you meet the requirement before you proceed.
Yes. Qualifications awarded through an approved TVET – RPEL process are recognised within the applicable national TVET framework and are assessed against established competency standards.
Book your FREE consultation today. We’ll assess your eligibility, explain the process and help you understand the best pathway to obtaining your qualification.