Broadening the Recognition Ecosystem in VET with Micro-Credentials
▶Summary
The main objective of the BREVET project was to strengthen the use of innovative digital tools in skill recognition within the VET sector. We aimed to develop and pilot a micro-credential system t...
▶Objectives
The main objective of the BREVET project was to strengthen the use of innovative digital tools in skill recognition within the VET sector. We aimed to develop and pilot a micro-credential system that connects recent EU developments, such as the ESCO taxonomy and the Europass Digital Credentials Infrastructure (EDCI). By doing so, we sought to enhance transparency, portability, and user-friendliness of digital credentials, thus supporting employability and lifelong learning. The project also focused on building institutional capacity and digital readiness among VET providers. Additionally, we aimed to raise awareness about ethical concerns and privacy issues in digital accreditation. Through collaborative research, software development, and piloting activities, BREVET intended to set a foundation for a more inclusive, future-oriented and interoperable recognition system that supports a culture of open recognition and contributes to educational and social innovation across Europe.
▶Activities
The BREVET project followed a structured implementation plan divided into five work packages, including WP1 – project management (11 activities), ensuring excellent collaboration and quality assurance. WP2 (7 activities) was about the design of a digital credential ecosystem, aligning micro-credentials with the ESCO taxonomy and setting the conceptual foundation to inform WP3. WP3 (10 activities) focused on developing a software that connects the Learning model of Europass to the ESCO taxonomy and to a credentials issuing mechanism, enabling VET and HE institutions to issue contextualised micro-credentials. WP4 (8 activities) involved piloting the system with VET and HE providers, including training sessions and workshops to assess usability and institutional integration. WP5 (11 activities) focused on dissemination, policy engagement, and sustainability, including roundtables, expert briefs, and a symposium. Throughout the project, we created guidelines, recommendations, and technical documentation to support adoption. The entire implementation was grounded in continuous stakeholder engagement and iterative feedback to ensure relevance and practical impact.
▶Impact
BREVET delivered several concrete outputs. Most notably, we developed a functional software tool that allows VET and HE institutions to issue and manage micro-credentials linked to ESCO taxonomy and compatible with Europass. This tool was tested in real-world settings and supported by specific guidelines for implementation. We developed a reference model for the design of micro-credentials, privacy recommendations, and a white paper on ethical use of digital credentials. The project also resulted in increased digital readiness among VET and HE providers, improved institutional capacity, and greater awareness of open recognition systems. Through workshops, roundtables, and dissemination events, we reached a broad audience, including educators, policymakers, and researchers. BREVET contributed to the standardisation and transparency of digital credentials in the VET sector, enhancing their trustworthiness, portability, and relevance across Europe.