OntheMIC - Microcredentials as a means for recognition and validation of learning

A large proportion of people face severe challenges in getting decent jobs, whether they are migrants trying to access education or enter the labor market or they may be disabled or otherwise in a vulnerable situation. They may have the necessary skills and competencies to do the job but they lack the recognition and validation of their skills. Or they may have skills gaps that could be filled with some specified learning tasks in order to be employed.

The main objective of the project was to develop mechanisms and tools for the recognition and validation of prior learning. The developed methods and tools were targeted especially at adult learners in vulnerable situations and adult trainers working with vulnerable groups of learners.

We organised five transnational project meetings face-to-face and various monthly based online meetings. Some of the work was done in smaller groups between the TP- and online meetings. Besides, we organised one Learning, Teaching, and Training activity for staff members (as teachers and coaches) and learners. Based on the feedback we got, we developed further the outcomes. We organised a variety of dissemination activities and seven multiplier events all together by project partners. All the Project results PR1-PR4 were tested or piloted with the end-users (teachers, students, rehabilitates, coaches, work-life representatives). The Pilots carried out in the project showed that the recognition of prior learning processes can help these individuals acquire micro-credentials, a certification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thus contribute to increasing adult learners' chances of finding employment or applying for studies. In addition, the recognition of competencies through micro-credentials had an impact on strengthening adult learners' self-esteem and social skills. It also improved their understanding of the importance of lifelong learning in planning their future paths.

The concrete project results of OnTheMIC- project are: - PR1, Self-Assessment Tool - PR2, Micro-credentials in the Process of Identifying Competence - PR3, Training Module for Education Professionals and Stakeholders - PR4, How to use the results of the soft skills identification tool All the project results are easily accessible at https://onthemic.eu/project-results/ and https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/