ECIU University welcomes the adopted Council Recommendation on micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability by EU Member States on 16 June 2022. Both national commitments and European coordination to support the micro-credentials movement is needed, with a shared definition supported by national authorities being critical. At its event on 17 June, ECIU elaborates on how to make a success out of 2022: The Year of the Micro-Credential.
The promotion of a unified definition, standard elements and principles, and the foresight of more EU tools and services, will help the further development of micro-credentials. Support for the development of an ecosystem for micro-credentials and the integration of micro-credentials into education and training systems and skills policies will encourage the micro-credentials movement.
ECIU University is committed to working with industry and societal partners to develop, co-construct and co-deliver micro-credentials, furthering a comprehensive micro-credential ecosystem. ECIU University will move from prediction-based, reactive approaches to understanding the needs of learners, societal, professional and industry partners, fostering real collaborative provision of personalised and relevant flexible learning opportunities.
ECIU University welcomes the use of skills-intelligence systems to analyse labour market needs and demographic changes as foundational aspects to support focused and responsive development of micro-credentials in key areas for the benefit of society and to address skill shortages and areas of growth. ECIU University is committed to using these intelligence systems to analyse labour market needs and demographic changes, along with focused engagement with stakeholders as a key and foundational aspect to support agile and collaborative development of strategic micro-credentials.
Lastly, ECIU University supports the move to mobilise micro-credentials as a vehicle by which research is translated into new learning opportunities, as research and learning are interconnected. Through its unique focus on challenge-based research, ECIU University will explore how micro-credentials within the Alliance can achieve this. Support for lifelong learners, e.g., via individual learning accounts, is also of importance, with a complimentary focus on lifelong learning and up/reskilling of citizens and workforce forming the heart of the ECIU University educational vision.