New Horizons for VET” took place from October 23rd to 26th, 2024, in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. The conference aimed to address the challenges in the VET ecosystem, providing delegates with concrete tools to effectively tackle the emerging issues in education and training.
During the EfVET roundtable sessions, EU project teams had the opportunity to disseminate progress, results, and products of project outcomes and sustainability. The consortium partners Athina Lazou from p-consulting & Acronym LTD (Greece), Olena Korzhykova from Dom Spain (Spain) and Susana Nogueira from EfVET presented the MICROIDEA project, showcasing its innovative approach to education and training linked to ISO 17024 and its application for the certification of persons and the microcredentials.
Two 30-minutes discussions featured the MICROIDEA initiative, objectives, and outcomes generated significant interest. Around 40 people from various VET institutions followed the presentation and were eager to learn more about ISO 17024 and its application for the certification of persons and consequently the microcredentials. None of them were aware of this possibility through ISO, even though all their countries have accredited bodies for ISO 17024.
The participants were invited to share their thoughts on main concepts that the MICROIDEA project encompasses. Many attendees highlighted key aspects such as the value of microcredentials for flexible learning pathways, the importance of focused learning topics, and the potential for innovative training methods. They appreciated the idea of an EU certification and the concept of a “shopping basket” approach, where learners can select courses that best suit their needs.
The participants also expressed challenges their centers face in implementing and expanding microcredentials. Common concerns included a lack of information about the microcredential framework, difficulties in time management, and the need for additional knowledge and skills within their teams. Several mentioned the absence of clear national and EU policies, which can hinder the establishment of robust microcredential programs. Other challenges included the lack of access to awarding or accreditation bodies, universal recognition issues, and motivation levels among staff and learners. Some of the participants said that they are still in the initial stages of developing microcredentials and identified funding as a significant barrier. Additionally, some noted that public centers are restricted from offering their own educational programs, and have limiting opportunities compared to chambers and private companies.
The feedback received highlighted both enthusiasm for the MICROIDEA project and the importance of addressing these challenges to successfully implement and expand microcredentials framework across VET centres across Europe. Organisations from various countries expressed a keen interest in learning more about the next steps of the project, indicating their eagerness to engage and collaborate further. The insights gained from the conference will play a crucial role for shaping future steps of the project.
