Partial Certification in the Vocational Field of Event Technicians

The European event industry faces unique challenges due to innovation and mobility. It is highly innovative, driving technological change and requiring rapid knowledge updates, especially for even...

To address labour market rigidities, PACE-VET aims to enhance competence validation across EU. A key issue in the event industry is the importance of non-formal and informal learning, with many workers relying on on-the-job training and self-education. Recognizing and validating these skills through micro-credentials would foster a more inclusive, resilient, mobile, and sustainable labour market, especially in a fragile environment. Following the EU Council Recommendations (2012/2020) on validation and VET, transparent recognition processes support the EU Commission’s goal to strengthen vocational education. PACE-VET provides a significant contribution to these objectives by illustrating the practicality of a validation methodology and the provision of digital tools to equip both learners and assessors with the necessary means to credibly and reliably support the validation process. It implements a digital database (Learning Record Store) and micro-credentials to validate skills. The project aims to support partial certification of competencies and connect industry associations across the EU broadening perspectives within EU VET systems and to increase learning opportunities, improve labour mobility, and promote lifelong learning.

The goal of PACE-VET was highly user-focused, relying on active stakeholder engagement. The project involved end-users, participants, and volunteers in development and attracted educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and certifying authorities to discuss the sector’s future needs. Supporting dissemination, the project participated in international trade fairs and held regular expert meetings on certification and education topics. Two main pillars guided the project: an iterative approach and practical assessment. From requirements analysis to mobile App development, testing, and final credentialing, each step was carefully planned, evaluated, and refined through continuous feedback. Close communication and stakeholder involvement ensured that the results met user needs. Participants tested the App and underwent assessments, where trained assessors validated their skills in specific fields. Digital credentials were issued to certify competencies. This process helped train assessors and demonstrated the feasibility of partial certification, supporting lifelong learning and workforce mobility. The project contributed to establishing innovative approaches in VET and increasing acceptance of digital certificates.

PACE-VET made a significant contribution to the validation and certification of prior learning within EU VET. The project advanced two key areas: digitalization in lifelong learning and competence recognition processes. It developed a user-friendly, secure digital application capable of connecting to various databases (LMS) and integrating features for learners and assessors, unlocking high usability potential. The application included a complete front- and backend, integrating a Learning Record Store, enabling learners to document non-formal and informal learning. The project established recognition processes with high standards of quality assurance, which proved crucial for acceptance by certifying and educational authorities. It introduced micro-credentials, offering new ways to assess partial qualifications. Detailed documentation supported easy replication and transfer to other sectors. Micro-credentials for Light and Sound were developed, demonstrated, and validated, paving the way for further credentials and sector expansion. A Best Practice Report provided a clear guide for stakeholders. Assessors were trained to conduct on-site assessments, participants could test the app, record learning, and receive support.