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nanotechnology – and micro credentials can support the learning in areas where the formal
qualification are limited.

In terms of framework, micro credentials can be issued either by public or private providers,
onsite or using online learning platforms, blend learning, classrooms lectures or even
apprenticeships. The impact on adult education was increasing and its flexibility, allows workers
to have more opportunities to do career progress or changes.

Another feature coming from this flexibility, appreciated mostly in companies, it’s the easier and
cheaper possibility to improve employability and address skills needs and gaps thru lifelong
learning.

Despite the add value of micro credentials and the different developments among European state
members, it is important to highlight that there is no common European approach to micro
credentials and the modularisation of VET programmes, for the time being.

The fact that micro credentials are not clearly defined and implemented, led to the threat of
unregulated certificates and lack of transparency. Due to this, private institutions are delivering
the contents on their own, recognising the Knowledge, Skills and Competences coming from their
experiences and labour market standards. Also, the compatibility of non-formal and private
sector qualifications it’s not always aligned with National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The table below summarise the strengths and the weaknesses of micro credentials:

Strengths Weaknesses

•Microcredentials respond to the •Microcredentials cause uncertainty
changing needs of the labour market among stakeholders as to their benefits
•Promote lifelong learning •Proliferate in unregulated ways
•Assist in upskilling and reskilling •Confuse users owing to their complexity
•Enable leaners to build and validate and variety
professional skills •Lack transparency as to who ensures
(non-formal and informal learning), their quality
•Offer opportunities for better •Present challenges concerning their
understanding and cooperation recognition
between education providers and •Are often unable to reach the most
employers vulnerable or disadvantaged learner
•Have the potential to provide access to groups
education to a greater variety of learners
•Provide flexible learning pathways

Table 5 Micro credentials Strengths and Weaknesses
2

On another hand, manufacturing is one of the major fields in industry, it includes a wide range of
sub-sectors, which makes this field one of the most challenging when the topic is employee’s

2 Source: Cedefop (2022) Are Microcrentials becoming a big deal?

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