Developing micro-credentials for home care sector

Achieving social and professional inclusion required targeted actions to address barriers in skills recognition and development. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for new tools, especially in the PHS sector, employing over 8 million people with potential for 5 million more jobs due to ageing demographics (EFSI, 2018). PHS was identified as a key sector for inclusion, yet its skills were often unrecognised, and many workers lacked formal qualifications. Validating non-formal and informal learning through micro-credentials emerged as a solution to support upskilling and employability. Micro-credentials, as defined by COM(2020) 274 final, documented learning outcomes in certificates or badges, combining validation and training. EU initiatives, including consultations and a Cedefop study (2023), sought to expand their role in fostering employment and inclusion.

MyCred4Home aimed to promote social and professional inclusion for low-qualified profiles by combining two EU tools: micro-credentials (under development) and the validation of non-formal and informal learning. These tools help individuals gain recognition for their skills, improving employment opportunities and inclusion. The personal and household services (PHS) sector was chosen for its wide range of skills and growing demand for qualified workers due to demographic trends. Despite this, PHS professionals often lack recognition, and micro-credentials with validation offer promising solutions. The project had three main objectives: define standards for micro-credentials at lower qualification levels, explore their potential through validation, and promote employability and inclusion for disadvantaged groups. A benchmarking report guided the development of standards and tools, while a policy brief aimed to promote micro-credentials in the PHS sector. Dissemination efforts, including events and a final conference, raised awareness among key stakeholders.

The MyCred4Home project united five partners from Belgium, Cyprus, France, Italy, and Spain to promote micro-credentials in the personal and household services (PHS) sector. It focused on gathering best practices, interviewing stakeholders, and developing standards and evaluation methods. A pilot phase tested these certifications in three countries, followed by national and general reports, concluding with comprehensive guidelines. Key activities: PR1: A comparative report on existing micro-credential initiatives for low-qualified profiles, including field research and the creation of a micro-certification observatory on the project website. PR2: Defined key competences for micro-certification through non-formal and informal learning validation, gathering qualitative data on relevant skills and evaluation methods. PR3: Developed micro-certifications and evaluation tools, including a gamified platform. A pilot with 30 participants in France and Spain tested the platform, leading to adjustments. Communication activities included newsletters and events.

We produced four main deliverables on micro-credentials in the personal and household services (PHS) sector: A comparative report on existing micro-credential initiatives for low-qualified profiles. Micro-credential standards defining key competences for PHS. A report on implementing micro-credentials through non-formal and informal learning validation. Guidelines for adopting micro-credentials in PHS. We also developed a digital platform for interactive game-based assessments of four key micro-competences in PHS, using audio and visual aids, and available in three languages. Users can register as candidates or assessors. A project website centralizes information, and dissemination events, including a hybrid final conference, increased visibility and promoted the adoption of the project’s tools and findings.