MiCroc’VET – Developing a common approach to Micro-credentials for non-formal C-VET providers

Our main objective behind this project was to gain know-how in the use of micro-credentials and badges systems from the non-formal providers of VET perspective, leading, in the end, to enabling ou...

Our main objective behind this project was to gain know-how in the use of micro-credentials and badges systems from the non-formal providers of VET perspective, leading, in the end, to enabling our organisations to exploit such record systems, so to increase the value of our course for the learners. In our application form, we divided this main objective into 4 sub-objectives, which remained the same during the implementation of our project: Define the use of micro-credential in non-formal VET contexts Exchange ideas of practices with different VET providers across Europe to seek standardisation and homogenisation of procedures propose practical guidelines to support entities wishing to engage in the micro-credential system Promote new accreditation and record systems for non-formal courses. Our objectives were aligned to our own needs identified, and the ones faced by entities similar to ours. By addressing this issue of the recognition of short courses, we were intending to better the attractiveness of such courses for the learners, and increase the commitment of people to lifelong learning.

MEUS is a small entity delivering short VET courses in no formal educational context. For a few years, we have been facing the issue of wanting to use microcredential systems without having the technical capacity to do so. We studied some of the texts promoting the use of the microcredentials in Europe, but have been unable to find a proper way of finding a reliable accreditation system for our courses. Talking with some of our European partners about this issue, we found out that they were in the same situation. Most of the literature and guidelines existing in this field support the formal higher education systems, but it remains difficult for us to align the criteria set for the implementation of such systems, while paradoxically the microcredentials were designed to increase the recognition of short courses potentially developed by non formal providers. We wanted to understand better the scope of microcredentials, and in the end, be able to deliver micro-credentials to our learners. MicroC’VET focused on this identified problem during 2 years, by studying the existing literature and existing cases, developing knowledge, and over all, seeking solutions to ease the adoption of micro-credentialling for small C-VET providers.

MICROCVET Glossary; MICROCVET Leaflet; MICROCVET Best practices guide; MICROCVET Activity 3 Practical Guidelines; MICROCVET Activity 3 Infographics