Shorter forms of learning opportunities than traditional qualifications are being developed rapidly across Europe and the world. These opportunities, in the shape of micro-credentials, are made available in response to the demand for more flexible, learner-centred forms of education and training. Micro-credentials can be particularly useful for people who want to upskill or reskill to meet labour market needs or to develop professionally after starting work. The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to accelerate the green and digital transitions also requires individuals to upskill or reskill.

In this regard, EARLALL Working Group for Skills and Labour Market and SwissCore, have worked on organizing a webinar aimed to education and training providers as well as local and regional public authorities dealing with education and training. Maintaining and acquiring new competences is essential to enable active participation in society, to ensure continued personal, social and professional development and to boost employability and socio-economic innovation.

Several examples of micro-credential programs from across Europe. These include:

• The European MOOC Consortium, which offers a range of MOOCs and micro-credentials in subjects such as digital skills and entrepreneurship.
• The Open University of Catalonia, which has developed a micro-credential program focused on sustainable development and social innovation.
• The Technical University of Munich, which has launched a digital badge program to recognize the skills and achievements of its students.
• The University of Graz, which has developed a micro-credential program in collaboration with industry partners to help address skills gaps in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The session concludes by emphasizing the importance of ensuring the quality and recognition of micro-credentials, and by calling for increased collaboration and standardization across the European education system. Overall, the post suggests that micro-credentials have the potential to play an important role in meeting the evolving needs of learners and the labour market, and that continued innovation and experimentation will be key to their success.

Do not miss the chance of watching the entire webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGVuCdg2jug