On November 28-29, the University of Georgia hosted the Erasmus+ project Micro-GEAR’s workshop, which aimed to explore the ways for the introduction and development of micro-credentials in the South Caucasus.
Ruben Topchyan, ANQA’s Director, was also present. Dr. Topchyan led a panel discussion on "Developing a Roadmap for Micro-credentials in the South Caucasus".
The workshop highlighted the EU Council's recommendations for fostering lifelong learning and employability through micro-credentials and included a discussion on which of these recommendations could be adapted and applied in Armenia and Georgia.
A reference was also made to the following issues:
- the practice of the micro-credential implementation the in the EU countries;
- the micro-credentials for the vocational education and training sector, the EU practice.
Micro-GEAR (Micro-credentials for Higher Education Systems of Armenia and Georgia) is a three-year (2024-2027) Erasmus+ project supporting structural reforms in the higher education sector of the South Caucasus region, primarily focusing on Georgia and Armenia, with the aim of introducing and facilitating the broad proliferation of micro-credentials as a tool for improving relevance, quality and flexibility of higher education. In line with the European Council’s Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability, the project will update the National Qualifications Frameworks in both countries, build national consensus over principles of micro-credentialing, stimulate educational activities leading to micro-credentials and facilitate their mutual recognition.
As part of the project, the involved HEIs will develop and pilot micro-credentials with the support of partners.