Interoperability of Qualifications -by building Sustainable Digital credentials Infrastructure

To contribute at interoperability of qualifications, and respond to the new world of globalization and technology, by: - Developing and adopting common methodology for modular learning, based on l...

Main objective of this project is: Contributing to the quality assurance in VET and AE, by adaptation of private VET/ AE providers to the sustainable model of certification based on micro credentials, and introduction of digital tool for issuing digital certificates, compatible with the Europass Digital Credentials Infrastructure (EDCI), with full implementation of the standards, modules and credits for qualifications and trainings they provide. SO1 Adopting common principles and methodologies in regular work of AE/VET providers, to enable interoperability of qualifications; SO2 Improve quality standards at AE/VET providers on European level; SO3 Introduce digitalization in systems for certification; and SO4 Facilitate validation of non-formal and informal learning. Target group are VET and AE providers (non-formal) across the Europe, beneficiaries of their services, practitioners and policy makers in the field of VET and AE and wider all stakeholders active in those fields. The project aims, VET and AE providers to go digital, minimize the need for paper documents and issues all documentation directly to the learners’ portfolio.

A. Project Management Activities Our project implemented range of project management activities to ensure successful coordination and execution. These activities included: - Coordination of the project and establishment of communication mechanisms among partners. - Clear division of tasks and responsibilities among partners. - Organization of events, activities, and provision of operational capacity. - Provision of logistics and proper documentation. - Project administration, reporting, budget planning, and cost management. - Selection of experts and participants. - Ensuring quality in implementation. B. Implementation Activities 1. Transnational Project Meetings The project delivered two physical meetings and 12 online meetings (10+2) for project partners. These meetings facilitated collaboration, discussion, and decision-making. 2. Project Results PR1: Mapping of applied methodologies in developing existing curricula of accredited trainings at AE/VET providers and creating a benchmarking report with recommendations for developing a common methodology. PR2: Research and development of a common methodology for adapting existing curricula to modular learning based on learning outcomes and micro-credentials. PR3: Establishing infrastructure for digital certification compatible with the Europass model and digital credentials. PR4: Developing guidelines for VET/AE providers on how to introduce the micro-credentials digital credential model into their certification systems. PR5: Creating policy recommendations for improving national systems for quality assurance in VET and AE by implementing standards and principles from European models. 3. Multiplier Events We conducted five multiplier events, per one event in each participating country and one online event in cooperation with the All Digital Network, involving a wider international community. 4. Learning, Training, and Teaching Activities Joint Staff Training 1: Training on implementing a common methodology for curricula development based on learning outcomes and micro-credentials. Joint Staff Training 2: Training on integrating a digital certification system into the regular work of AE/VET providers. C. Monitoring and Evaluation Activities Monitoring and evaluation infrastructure was established at the first transnational project meeting. A 'Quality Management Plan' with clear qualitative and quantitative indicators was adopted at the start of the project. All partners were responsible for checking, controlling, and fulfilling tasks to achieve these indicators. D. Dissemination Activities An extensive dissemination strategy was implemented to optimize the project's value, strengthen its impact, and transfer its achievements to other contexts.

Main Outcomes The IQ-DigitS project achieved significant measurable and intangible outcomes during its implementation phase. Measurable project results: PR1: Prepared and published the 'Mapping of applied methodologies in developing existing curricula of accredited trainings at AE/VET providers' and a benchmarking report with recommendations for developing a common methodology. PR2: Developed, published, and implemented a common methodology for adapting existing curricula to modular learning based on learning outcomes and micro-credentials. PR3: Established and implemented infrastructure for digital certification compatible with the Europass model and digital credentials. PR4: Created and published guidelines for VET/AE providers on introducing the micro-credentials digital credential model into their certification systems. PR5: Prepared and published policy recommendations for improving national systems for quality assurance in VET and AE by implementing standards and principles from European models. Trained staff on implementing the joint methodology for curricula development based on learning outcomes and micro-credentials. Trained staff to integrate the digital certification system into regular work. Intangible results of implementation activities: - Improved transparency and quality standards of VET/AE providers. - Enhanced strategic and cross-sectoral cooperation among different VET and AE providers across Europe. - Increased internationalization of European VET and AE providers. - Higher flexibility and opportunities in VET and AE. Measurable results of project management: - Developed a communication plan. - Established partnership cooperation. - Signed agreements. - Established monitoring and reporting system. - Prepared reports. - Conducted transnational meetings. - Maintained proper documentation for each activity. Intangible results of project management: - Ensured smooth project implementation within budget and on schedule. - Enhanced international cooperation. - Improved management competencies in EU projects. - Increased quality in the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of EU/international projects. Measurable results of project dissemination and awareness raising: - Developed a dissemination plan. - Launched a social media campaign. - Delivered multiplier events. - Posted web publications on partner websites. Intangible results of project dissemination and awareness raising: - Broad outreach to and well-informed and motivated target groups. - Positive attitude towards the IQ-DigitS project and its values. - Good attendance at project events and the creation of an IQ-DigitS community through social media and networking events. Measurable results of sustainability: - Developed a sustainability and exploitation plan. - Conducted awareness campaigns for other VET/AE providers. Intangible results of sustainability: - Increased IQ-DigitS community. - Growing number of VET/AE providers implementing the IQ-DigitS concept. - Rising interest from public authorities and stakeholders in the IQ-DigitS concept. Staff training events: November/ December 2022: Training on implementing the joint methodology for curricula development based on learning outcomes and micro-credentials. June 2023: Training on integrating the digital certification system into regular work. National conferences and webinars: E1: IQ-Digits National Conference, North Macedonia. E2: IQ-Digits National Conference, Italy. E3: IQ-Digits National Conference, Austria. E4: IQ-Digits National Conference, Croatia. E5: IQ-Digits Webinar: 'How to integrate micro-credentials and the digital certification system into the regular work of AE/VET providers'