Brussels time
Erasmus+ is the EU funding programme for education, training, youth and sport for the period 2021-2027. Read more about ERASMUS+ here.
This call aims to support reforms and policy impact on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability.
European policy experimentations are transnational cooperation projects that involve developing, implementing and testing the relevance, effectiveness, potential impact and scalability of activities to address policy priorities in different countries. By combining strategic leadership, methodological soundness, and a strong European dimension, they enable mutual learning and support evidence-based policy at European level.
Proposals submitted under this topic must address one of the following priorities:
- Priority 11: Micro-credentials eco-systems
- Priority 12: Micro-credentials for the digital and green transitions
Priority 11:
• Examine the three building blocks as laid down in the above-mentioned Council Recommendation and explore avenues to incorporate the micro-credential concept fully in the national education/training system and national qualifications framework. If no strategy exists, draft a strategy and deliver specific recommendations for the public authorities at national/regional/local level as well as guidance for providers of micro-credentials;
• Explore changes needed in existing quality assurance mechanisms to incorporate micro-credentials. Prepare a roadmap for piloting such changes. Select bodies responsible for quality assurance, including for Higher Education, VET, adult learning, including related to providers from outside the formal system, that could test relevant quality assurance mechanisms. Deliver recommendations, based on the project findings, to ensure quality assurance culture in line with Annex II to the Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability;
• Map current recognition practices of micro-credentials delivered by higher education institutions, VET institutions, and/or other formal and non-formal providers. Explore changes needed in existing tools and/or rules. Prepare a roadmap for piloting such changes. Select providers and competent authorities that could test them for academic, training or employment purposes. Deliver recommendations, based on the project findings, to facilitate transparent recognition procedures for micro-credentials issued by different types of providers, including recognition of prior learning (RPL) and the validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL), in line with Annex II to Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability;
• Explore transferability and scalability of existing portability solutions, including ongoing pilot projects (such as digital portfolios, e-backpacks, applications confirming various types of skills - including those acquired outside formal education). Prepare a roadmap for piloting such portability solutions. Select providers that could implement it. Deliver specific recommendations, based on the project findings, regarding necessary changes at national level and guidance for providers of micro-credentials, to ensure that micro-credentials are portable in line with Annex II of the Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability;
• Explore how micro-credentials are currently used to develop relevant skills as well as to promote employability, e.g. considering strengthening cooperation between education and training institutions with employers, public employment services and social partners. Explore changes needed in existing initiatives. Prepare a roadmap for piloting such changes. Select providers and competent authorities that could test it. Deliver specific examples and recommendations on how to exploit micro-credentials’ potential for relevant education and training, upskilling and reskilling for the labour market, based on the project findings.
Priority 12:
• Examining and analysing actual and future needs of the economy and society at large with regard to equipping young people and lifelong learners with future proof skills needed to comply with the requirements of the green and digital transitions. This analysis should be based on skills intelligence tools, skills assessment tools and other solid evidence;
• Exploring the needs and ultimate interests of specific groups that need training, up- or reskilling;
• Mapping how courses leading to micro-credentials could serve the above needs;
• Designing and implementing relevant innovative, targeted and accessible courses leading to micro-credentials, based on the results of the prior mapping, offered to any learner, including for reskilling and upskilling purposes;.
• Engaging companies that suffer from labour and skills shortages to cooperate with formal education and training organisations in designing ad-hoc micro-credentials that generate potential employment within the engaged companies.
• Targeted outreach activities, including communication materials.
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
Under topic 5 ‘Micro-credentials’, in order to be eligible, each project must include at least one public authority at national, regional, and/or local level as applicants (beneficiaries, not affiliated entities);
Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least 3 applicants (beneficiaries, not affiliated entities), from a minimum of 3 EU Member States or third countries associated to the Programme.
Projects should normally range between 24 and 36 months. Extensions are possible, if duly justified and through an amendment.
Project budget (maximum grant amount): 1 000 000 EUR per project.
Brussels time
