24 Mar MicroVET Project Presented Among Important Policy-Makers in Bulgaria
On March 24th 2023 the Chairperson of the Know and Can Association – Mrs. Rumyana Shalamanova took part in a round table on the topic “Presentation and discussion of models for the introduction of individual training accounts and micro-certificates in Bulgaria”.
The event was organized by the Industrial Capital Association of Bulgaria (AICB) and attended by representatives of Bulgarian Ministry of Education, AICB and other important policy-makers in the field of education.
During the meeting, she presented the MicroVET: Introducing MicroCredentials in the Digital Era of VET project, which aims to improve the quality and attractiveness of VET and training in general by providing flexible, inclusive and highly relevant training offers that meet the contemporary needs of learners/trainees, and in which Know and Can Association is a partner.
“Individual training accounts are special virtual wallets in which funds will be raised to be used exclusively for training that is guaranteed quality and the use of career guidance and career counseling services. The aim is to overcome one of the barriers faced by many adults, who indicate that they are not convinced of the quality of the training provided and that some training is too expensive. At the same time, micro-credentials should address another challenge related to lack of time for training and greater focus of courses. Micro-credentials are short-term training courses that are fully aligned with industry and workforce needs and enable the rapid formation of specific skills by providing personal, portable and easily verifiable validation. They provide employees with more focused content, more hands-on learning experience, customized training and more flexibility in scheduling.” This was made clear by Dr. Milena Angelova, Secretary General of AICB during the roundtable discussion.
The main objective of micro-credentials is that they should serve to provide a clear and rapid mechanism for individuals to participate in customized training that is brief and tailored to their career goals, needs, and responsibilities.
Two models for introducing individual training accounts were also presented at the roundtable. The first model is applicable at the enterprise level by creating an individual record of qualifications and skills acquired and assessing the need for additional training. The second model presents a comprehensive system for introducing individual training accounts at the national level through the establishment of Sector Skills Funds.
“In Bulgaria, fortunately, many initiatives are being worked on to improve the knowledge and skills of both young and adult Bulgarians. The Bulgarian Ministry of Education has a strong desire to introduce quality assessment of the training provided, to be validated by employers. We are counting on the help and support of AICB to start this process”, announced Vanya Tividosheva, Director of Vocational Education and Training, Ministry of Education.
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