Micro-Credentials in VET: Designing Flexible Learning Pathways

Scope

This five-day, face-to-face course helps VET trainers and instructional designers create micro-credentials that respond to learner and labour-market needs. Participants develop a VET training idea or skills challenge step by step, shaping it into a draft design with clear learning outcomes, assessment and quality checks.

The course introduces the purpose and European context of micro-credentials, then guides participants through course design, assessment, implementation, validation and quality assurance. Participants explore the Council Recommendation on micro-credentials, European Digital Credentials for Learning and the European Learning Model. They also use ESCO to connect learning outcomes with relevant competences and practise describing how learner achievement can be recognised through a digital badge.

ECVET points: 3.5

Target groups

VET trainers, teachers and facilitators

• Instructional designers and curriculum developers
• VET programme coordinators and training administrators
• Assessment and quality assurance staff
• Staff supporting learner guidance and progression
• Employer or sector representatives contributing to training design or review

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

– Explain the purpose, main characteristics and benefits of micro-credentials, and identify when they may be useful in VET.

– Use relevant European reference materials to inform the design and description of a micro-credential.

– Translate a learning need into clear outcomes and connect them to relevant competences, using ESCO where appropriate.

– Design a short learning programme with aligned content, learning activities and assessment.

– Explain how micro-credentials can recognise focused learning and contribute to flexible learning pathways.

– Describe how learner achievement can be evidenced and recognised, including through a digital badge.

– Apply basic validation and quality assurance checks to a micro-credential course.

Methodology

Participants develop a course concept through a guided design process. Short presentations and course materials are combined with:

• Case analysis and comparison of sample credentials
• Learning-needs and course-design exercises
• Outcome-writing and ESCO alignment workshops
• Assessment design and evidence review
• Digital badge design using a template-based exercise
• Peer feedback, validation role-play and a final design showcase

Thematic units

• Micro-credentials in VET: purpose, benefits, limitations and examples
• Micro-credential fundamentals and European reference materials
• Designing e-courses and Short Learning Programmes
• Learning outcomes, ESCO and assessment design
• Implementing micro-credentials and recognising achievement
• Validation, quality assurance and continuous improvement

Learning material

The learning material consists of presentations, legislation, reports and guides produced by European Commission and Cedefop in English language.

Cost

Tuition fee: 400 euro per person 

The cost includes the learning material and the certificates: Certificate of completion, Europass Certificate Supplement, Europass Mobility.

The cost can be funded by Erasmus+ programme KA1 mobility of staff.

Cultural activities (optional)

Includes:

• a walking tour of Piraeus and welcome dinner,

Indicative menu: Cretan salad, zucchini fritters, sausage, cretan grilled cheese, cretan meat balls, pork slow roasted in the oven with sauce and herbs, served with mashed potatoes flavoured with mushroom truffle, traditional cretan pasta,  dessert, wine / raki

PRICE per person: 27 euros (beer or other drinks are not covered, except those mentioned above)

• a guided tour of Athens, visit to Archaeological sites,

It includes: The Acropolis hill, Parthenon, the historical  area of Plaka & Monastiraki: 3 hours guided tour
COST: 180€ divided to the number of participants. No transport costs or entrance ticket to Acropolis Hill are included.

• a common dinner in Athens,

Indicative menu: Feta wrapped with honey and sesame, greek salad, black eyed peas, octopus, calamari, cod croquettes, chicken strips, burger patties, orzotto with vegetables, wine and refreshments

PRICE per person: 30 euros (beer or other drinks are not covered, except those mentioned above)

The restaurants and menu may change depending on the availability and time of the year and the weather conditions.

The cost of local transportation and the entrance fees to sites and museums are not included.

Training sessions 

Further information

Lila Anthopoulou, tel: +30 2104286227, e-mail: lila@idec.gr