ILO Workshop at the Global Lifelong Learning Summit: Micro-credentials promoting lifelong learning and careers
Micro-credentials are becoming increasingly popular tools to recognise the completion of bite-size learning activities, particularly in non-formal and informal contexts, making proof of acquired learning outcomes. While they are not new, they have gained greater visibility in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The turn to digital work and learning accelerated the transition from physical to digital and hybrid skills systems, pushing the private offer of short online training and popularised the use of digital credentials.
This workshop will aim at raising awareness about challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of micro-credentials, as well as highlight successful examples emerging from private and public initiatives. The workshop will be structured around a panel discussion including government, workers and employers representatives, as well as micro-credentials providers. The discussion will have particular interest for policy makers, social partner representatives, training institutions managers.
Key themes to be discussed include:
- The role and limitations of micro-credentials as an enabler of lifelong learning, access to decent work and long-term careers for all groups
- The challenges and opportunities of micro-credentials as an enabler for workers to upskill, reskill and access qualifications
- The potential and limitations of micro-credentials as enhancers of learning, talent acquisition, skills utilization, motivation and productivity in enterprises, promoting just green and digital transitions
- The role of governments and social partners in generating a skills ecosystem conducive to quality, trust and effective connections between industry, training offer and recognition mechanisms
- Digital transformation, inclusiveness and data ownership