Three working meetings organised by SFC Sistemi Formativi Confindustria and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna explored how micro-credentials can strengthen vocational education and training, lifelong learning and skills development in Italy.
How can micro-credentials become a trusted and recognised tool for lifelong learning and workforce development? What is needed to connect training provision more effectively with the skills demanded by the labour market?
These questions were at the centre of three working meetings organised in Italy by SFC Sistemi Formativi Confindustria and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA) within the framework of the European project "MASTERY – Microcredentials Reliability Unleashing Green Economy", an Erasmus+ Forward Looking project working to develop and test approaches to the design, delivery and certification of micro-credentials for green skills, while contributing to policy development and greater trust in micro-credentials across Europe.
Held on 13 July, 14 September and 22 September 2026, the meetings brought together representatives from vocational education and training, public authorities, universities and other organisations involved in skills development and certification. The process recorded 35 participations and enabled stakeholders from different Italian regions to exchange experiences and perspectives.
From understanding the current landscape to co-designing solutions
The three meetings followed a progressive approach, moving from analysis and shared priorities towards concrete proposals and opportunities for collaboration.
The first meeting, “Where do we stand on micro-credentials?”, examined the European and Italian regulatory frameworks, the roles of key institutional actors and existing experiences in VET and higher education. Discussions also explored how micro-credentials are designed, delivered and certified, including the contribution of MASTERY and other initiatives.
The second meeting focused on identifying priorities for strengthening the uptake of micro-credentials in the Italian training system. Building on the eight MASTERY policy visions, participants discussed their potential value for learners, training providers, companies and public administrations, contributing to a shared set of priorities for future action.
The third meeting moved towards implementation, exploring opportunities for joint pilot initiatives, collaboration between stakeholders and the development of future projects, including through European funding programmes.
Key priorities emerging from the discussions
The meetings highlighted the potential of micro-credentials to respond to emerging and specialised skills needs, particularly in the context of the green and digital transitions. They also underlined that their value depends on more than the flexibility of short learning opportunities: credible assessment, quality assurance, recognition and relevance to the labour market are essential to building trust.
Several priorities emerged from the discussions:
- Stronger recognition and alignment: linking micro-credentials to learning outcomes and existing qualification frameworks, with clear and reliable referencing procedures.
- Greater coherence across regional systems: improving the consistency of micro-credential catalogues and training pathways, while building on existing regional experiences.
- Digital interoperability: promoting common standards and connections with European and national infrastructures, including the European Learning Model, Europass and the emerging Italian Fascicolo Sociale Lavorativo.
- Closer links with the labour market: involving companies, sectoral organisations and employment services in identifying skills needs and using micro-credentials to support training, recruitment and career development.
- Evidence of impact: assessing not only participation and learner satisfaction, but also the contribution of micro-credentials to closing skills gaps and addressing skills shortages.
A recurring message was the need to build on existing regional and project-based initiatives while reducing fragmentation and clarifying the responsibilities of the different actors involved in awarding, issuing and recognising micro-credentials.
Turning dialogue into policy recommendations
The Italian working group represents an important step in translating European priorities on micro-credentials into proposals grounded in the Italian context. The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation among policymakers, VET providers, universities, employers and other stakeholders in ensuring that micro-credentials are meaningful for both learners and organisations.
The results of the meetings will contribute to the development of MASTERY’s policy recommendations, supporting a more coherent, trusted and interoperable approach to micro-credentials and helping connect skills development with the needs of a changing economy.
Three working meetings organised by SFC Sistemi Formativi Confindustria and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna explored how micro-credentials can strengthen vocational education and training, lifelong learning and skills development in Italy.
How can micro-credentials become a trusted and recognised tool for lifelong learning and workforce development? What is needed to connect training provision more effectively with the skills demanded by the labour market?
These questions were at the centre of three working meetings organised in Italy by SFC Sistemi Formativi Confindustria and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA) within the framework of the European project "MASTERY – Microcredentials Reliability Unleashing Green Economy", an Erasmus+ Forward Looking project working to develop and test approaches to the design, delivery and certification of micro-credentials for green skills, while contributing to policy development and greater trust in micro-credentials across Europe.
Held on 13 July, 14 September and 22 September 2026, the meetings brought together representatives from vocational education and training, public authorities, universities and other organisations involved in skills development and certification. The process recorded 35 participations and enabled stakeholders from different Italian regions to exchange experiences and perspectives.
From understanding the current landscape to co-designing solutions
The three meetings followed a progressive approach, moving from analysis and shared priorities towards concrete proposals and opportunities for collaboration.
The first meeting, “Where do we stand on micro-credentials?”, examined the European and Italian regulatory frameworks, the roles of key institutional actors and existing experiences in VET and higher education. Discussions also explored how micro-credentials are designed, delivered and certified, including the contribution of MASTERY and other initiatives.
The second meeting focused on identifying priorities for strengthening the uptake of micro-credentials in the Italian training system. Building on the eight MASTERY policy visions, participants discussed their potential value for learners, training providers, companies and public administrations, contributing to a shared set of priorities for future action.
The third meeting moved towards implementation, exploring opportunities for joint pilot initiatives, collaboration between stakeholders and the development of future projects, including through European funding programmes.
Key priorities emerging from the discussions
The meetings highlighted the potential of micro-credentials to respond to emerging and specialised skills needs, particularly in the context of the green and digital transitions. They also underlined that their value depends on more than the flexibility of short learning opportunities: credible assessment, quality assurance, recognition and relevance to the labour market are essential to building trust.
Several priorities emerged from the discussions:
- Stronger recognition and alignment: linking micro-credentials to learning outcomes and existing qualification frameworks, with clear and reliable referencing procedures.
- Greater coherence across regional systems: improving the consistency of micro-credential catalogues and training pathways, while building on existing regional experiences.
- Digital interoperability: promoting common standards and connections with European and national infrastructures, including the European Learning Model, Europass and the emerging Italian Fascicolo Sociale Lavorativo.
- Closer links with the labour market: involving companies, sectoral organisations and employment services in identifying skills needs and using micro-credentials to support training, recruitment and career development.
- Evidence of impact: assessing not only participation and learner satisfaction, but also the contribution of micro-credentials to closing skills gaps and addressing skills shortages.
A recurring message was the need to build on existing regional and project-based initiatives while reducing fragmentation and clarifying the responsibilities of the different actors involved in awarding, issuing and recognising micro-credentials.
Turning dialogue into policy recommendations
The Italian working group represents an important step in translating European priorities on micro-credentials into proposals grounded in the Italian context. The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation among policymakers, VET providers, universities, employers and other stakeholders in ensuring that micro-credentials are meaningful for both learners and organisations.
The results of the meetings will contribute to the development of MASTERY’s policy recommendations, supporting a more coherent, trusted and interoperable approach to micro-credentials and helping connect skills development with the needs of a changing economy.