EuropeOn’s Secretary General, Julie Beaufils, was invited to speak at Cedefop’s recent online workshop “Microcredentials and the Future of Learning.” With over 300 participants from 60 countries, the event gathered experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the role of microcredentials in future upskilling and reskilling systems.

Julie shared insights gathered from EuropeOn members, who are very active on skills-related topics and experience first-hand the struggle to find enough qualified workers. She highlighted three main challenges: too few people choosing VET and technical careers, too little trust in new systems like microcredentials, and too many obstacles for SMEs to engage with training frameworks.

“Our sector needs electricians who are like Swiss army knives: versatile, adaptable, and ready to handle a wide range of technologies,” she explained. “But too few people are attracted to technical careers, and too many small companies lack the time or resources to navigate complex upskilling tools.”

Microcredentials can be a valuable part of the solution to workforce shortages — provided they are designed with the reality of SMEs in mind. Key conditions for their success include:

• They should complement, not replace, solid initial education.
• They must be co-designed with national associations and training centres.
• They need to be certified by trusted bodies.
• They should offer clear incentives for employers, such as improved productivity, loyalty, or access to new markets.

Finally, Julie reminded participants of the “elephant in the room”: “We still need people to train. Let’s focus on attracting and retaining talent first.”

EuropeOn continues to work on these issues, including through our recent statement on microcredentials, which outlines practical recommendations to ensure that upskilling tools truly serve both workers and employers in the energy transition.