Aim of MESHE

To foster a culture of lifelong learning by promoting the understanding and value of micro-credentials among learners, while testing a unified European system for the exchange of micro-credentials across universities to promote quality assurance and encourage collaboration among higher education institutions (HEIs) in Europe. 

Rationale behind the project

Despite the growing offer of micro-credentials from both private and public institutions, there is still limited interest, understanding and use of this non-traditional learning format among learners, signalling a gap in the recognition of their value, particularly in terms of employment opportunities. The gap between the availability of micro-credentials and their uptake is mainly due to learners perceiving them as less valuable than traditional qualifications. This project aims to bridge this perception divide: while much of the current focus on micro-credentials is directed at employers, there is a pressing need to engage learners and promote these innovative learning pathways. To make lifelong learning a reality, University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) centres play a crucial role in addressing this knowledge gap, helping learners recognise the benefits of micro-credentials. At the same time, universities need to enhance the stackability and portability of micro-credentials, ensuring quality and fostering international collaborations. Learners should recognise that traditional degrees aren’t the only valuable path, micro-credentials can help them develop new skills and progress in their careers. Employers, on their side, must recognise that investing in workforce education goes beyond financial resources: it includes allowing employees to use work hours for training and certification. This will make micro-credentials a credible and effective opportunity for all learners

MESHE Consortium

Full Partners:

• eucen – project coordinator (BE)
• University College Cork (IE)
• Johannes Gutenberg University (DE)
• Tallinn University (EE)
• Université Clermont Auvergne (FR)
• Universität für Bodenkultur Wien – BOKU (AT)
• Bogaziçi University (TR)
• UPF-Barcelona School of Management (ES)
• ESU (BE)
• Rubix (IE)

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Associate Partners:

• ACUP (ES)
• Green Tiger Foundation (EE)
• Natural Resources Working Group (AT)
• Sustainability Academy (TR)
• VHS Bingen (DE)
• Biose Industrie (FR)
• FI Group España (ES)
• PIMEC (ES)

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External Expert:

• UNESCO Institute for LLL (UIL)

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Work packages and tasks planned

If you are interested, have any questions or comments, contact us at meshe@eucen.eu!

Project website https://meshe.eucen.eu