Build your learning plan

Learning plans are a high priority for public servants, especially since the new Policy for Continuous Learning went into effect in 2002.

What is a learning plan?

Your learning plan is a personalized action plan designed to help you set and meet your professional development goals.

How to build your learning plan

1. Find the competency profile for your classification
2. Assess your learning needs or competency gaps by comparing your abilities to the competency profile
3. Decide on learning priorities and activities such as courses and workshops, readings and on-the-job activities
4. Get the necessary resources to do the activities (funds, time, coaching)
5. Keep the plan alive and measure progress

1. Find the competency profile for your classification

Competencies are characteristics of an individual, which underlie performance or behaviours at work. There are a number of generic competencies associated with the HR community that can be used as starting points for your learning plan. The first step is to decide which competencies are necessary for your position. Select one of the links below to learn more about competencies:

• HR Directory of Competencies (Please contact info@tbs-sct.gc.ca to obtain an electronic copy of this report.)
• Key competencies for the PE-01 to PE-03 levels
• Competency profile for compensation and benefit consultants (AS-02)
• Competency profile for compensation supervisors

2. Assess your learning needs

A new "HR professional development framework" was developed and is currently in its final stages of approval. Numerous consultations and research was held in order to come up with a framework that would touch on the many aspects of learning within the career of an HR professionals. 

3. Decide on learning priorities

Once your learning needs and priorities are identified (with the help of your supervisor), the learning plan can be developed. Take into consideration your learning style, the organizational context and the resources available.

4. Get the necessary resources

Working with your supervisor at every stage of your learning plan will help ensure that resources are put into your development, especially since learning is a top government priority. If money is tight, be creative about the inexpensive ways to learn: coaching, books, e-learning, new assignments etc.

Be proactive in defining your needs and exploring options for acquiring new knowledge and skills. Investigate learning opportunities and bring them to the attention of your manager. If you are interested in finding a coach or a mentor, go ahead and initiate contact with several people you feel would be good mentors.

5. Keep your plan alive

Update your plan regularly to reflect your progress or changes in your life. Keep it in a visible place to remind you of your commitment. Share your commitments with colleagues and get feedback about your goals.

The Canada School of Public Service suggests that the success of a learning plan depends on:

• personal commitment to, and accountability for, learning
• a supportive environment for learning
• learning that is purpose-driven and aligned to the strategic intent of the organization.

Other resources

Prior Learning Assessment Report

If part of your learning plan involves pursuing a university degree, the Prior Learning Assessment Report identifies universities that will recognize work experience for academic credit towards your degree. This is not a definitive list, and we strongly recommend that you contact the university directly. To receive a copy of the report, contact info@tbs-sct.gc.ca.