In order to reduce the employment mismatch and support the sustainability of labor markets undergoing significant demographic transformations and energy and digital transitions, the European policymakers have developed systems to certify specific skills through short training courses. These so-called microcredentials enable workers to acquire specific skills and abilities in an accelerated timeframe, in order to better respond to the particular demands of firms and the labor market as a whole.
The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) has highlighted the significant contribution of microcredentials to education, particularly in the vocational training segment. CEDEFOP emphasized that not only are the policies that support the microcredentials effective and functional in addressing contemporary challenges, but also it enhances the capacity for the transfer of knowledge both within and across productive sectors.
The ability to develop target skills through short and highly specialized training courses guarantees another crucial factor. Although vocational training already counts as one of its strengths the design of training tailored to the needs of businesses, the training process often involves several preparatory phases. The important aspect of microcredentials, therefore, is not to offer an alternative to standard vocational training pathways - whether they concern vocational training stricto sensu or skills upgrading and retraining courses for those who need them - but to ensure an effective integration between short microcredential development courses and ordinary training pathways.
Characterized by target educational design, the approach to microcredentials also serves as a useful vehicle for social inclusion and the possibility of accessing rapid and accessible lifelong learning pathways for a broader range of people.
https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/projects/microcredentials-labour-market-education-and-training
Project CirCLER funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.