For the broad implementation and use of micro-credentials in VET as a new approach to offer individual and tailored learning chunks for an increasingly dynamic and flexible group of learners, it was important to research and discuss crucial questions such as: - How are micro-credentials defined in (non-)formal VET? - How could units for micro-credentials be extracted and offered by a non-formal VET provider in Europe? - What possibilities and tools are available for quality assurance and providing mutual trust and recognition of micro-credentials provided by different VET institutions? - How can single micro-credentials be collected and integrated into a larger non-formal training program for learners? - How can digital learning content, lead to micro-credentials? - What is the concrete benefit for learners and VET providers when using the micro-credential approach? All these questions were to be approached, answered, and supported by concrete quality tools with the help of the MICRO QUEST project. With the number of activities planned and implemented in the project, and with the help of the four concrete project results developed.
The MICRO QUEST project was established and planned in response to a dramatic change in demand within the VET sector in Europe. This, however, leads to changes in demand regarding vocational education and training: due to an increasingly shorter lifespan of knowledge, learners massively requested shorter, quicker, more flexible, and simultaneously high-quality, recognizable, accumulable qualifications and training. Longer qualifications and training programs experienced a reduction in interest from learners over the last few years, especially during a time when personal face-to-face training was not always possible and was widely replaced by digital learning offers, webinars, etc. Consequently, there was a strong need for new and innovative VET offers. The European Commission introduced and initiated a consultation and discussion process around an approach capable of satisfying this new demand: micro-credentials. The awarding of micro-credentials, however, creates challenges and problems in regard to quality assurance trust and acceptance of awarded MCs, these challenges formed the background of the MICRO QUEST project.