Tools for the work life
Micro-credentials have gained significant attention in recent years, both in Europe and globally. These are small learning modules that meet specified quality requirements and provide recognised documentation of competence. An important political ambition is for micro-credentials to serve as a useful and flexible tool for the workforce, contributing to inclusion and employment. They also offer employees and job seekers reliable and transferable evidence of qualifications that can be used across workplaces or educational institutions.
One challenge so far is that it is primarily those who already have higher education who benefit from micro-credentials, rather than the groups that need them the most. Another challenge is how to implement these as building blocks within educational institutions, alongside existing studies.
Vulnerable groups
The project 'Learning to Learn Through Micro-Credentials in a Regional Setting', with the acronym L2L MicroCred, addresses these challenges. The project focuses primarily on vulnerable groups and aims to enhance their self-efficacy and increase their chances of finding employment in their local area/region through the use of micro-credentials.
The project's content
The project will, among other things, conduct a needs assessment and create an educational toolbox for micro-credentials. Thereafter, high-quality courses will be developed, tested, and evaluated together with the target group. These micro-credentials will help improve life skills, increase employability and promote social inclusion. Finally, the results will be shared so that educational institutions worldwide can adapt and use both the methodology and the courses.
Collaboration partners from four countries
The project involves educational institutions from four countries and two continents: the University of Limerick (UL - Ireland), LUMSA (Italy), Central Queensland University (CQU - Australia), in addition to Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN University), which coordinates the project. Both UL and CQU have extensive experience with the use of micro-credentials. The project received full funding, in total 400,000 Euros or approximately NOK 4.5 million.
Regional footprint
L2L MicroCred will have a significant regional footprint, as it involves collaboration between educational institutions, associated partners, the business sector and the target group. In this way, the project contributes not only to increased employment and inclusion within and across the participating regions in Europe and Australia, but also to addressing local labour market needs and promoting regional economic development.
Contact information
For those interested in contributing to the project, please contact us.
Project Leader
Centre for lifelong learning
- brit.svoen@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 61 28 83 88