The innovation of micro-credentials: Enhancing the recognition of non-formal skills for young people
Regional think piece and case studies
Highlights
Evidence has shown that most young people in the region do not complete formal education and/or TVET, and many acquire skills in various non-formal or informal training modalities – yet, these are rarely recognized by future employers or educational institutions, making young people’s further academic pursuits or transition into work all the more difficult.
With the support of the Austrian Development Agency, UNICEF partnered with JET Education Services to explore the potential of micro-credentials to enhance the recognition of young people’s skills in the labour market in ESA. The research highlights the importance of context-specific micro-credentialing programme implementation, in collaboration with employers and industry as well as the integration of micro-credentials into broader qualification frameworks and active labour market programmes to enhance youth employment prospects.
This research consists of a Regional Think Piece and three detailed case studies focusing on Burundi, South Africa and Uganda. Providing valuable insights and practical recommendations, this research will be helpful to policymakers, researchers and practitioners working to improve skills recognition and human capital development across Africa.
The Regional Think Piece aims to encourage dialogue on the phenomenon of micro-credentials and their contribution to improving employment opportunities in ESA. It gives an overview of the current landscape of micro-credentialing in the region and is oriented towards uncovering strategic decision-making in developing and implementing micro-credentials for application in low- and middle-income countries.
The case studies on Burundi, South Africa and Uganda aim to contribute to the formulation and design of country-relevant micro-credential models that are practice-focused, actionable, and scalable and lead to the increased recognition of non-formal skills development opportunities to facilitate transitions for unemployed youth into the labour market.
