What are Micro Credentials and Why Should You Consider Pursuing One?

From Tiktok to Netflix, we all recognise that consumption needs have evolved and the educational landscape must keep pace too and be tuned to meet the busy world of today’s learners. Let’s unpack how Innopharma Education is delivering a selection of micro credential courses that do just that and how it’s meeting industry needs of upskilling and reskilling individuals for the high-tech manufacturing sector.

What are Micro Credentials?

Micro credentials are part-time, online, QQI-accredited courses that are 30 ECTS or less, a fabulous low-commitment way to expand your knowledge and skills. Gone are the days of signing up to study for multiple years and commuting to classes. What’s in demand are accredited, easily accessed stackable courses, delivered online or through blended learning, providing a highly flexible learning environment.

They are a bite-sized component of a full-credit course, enabling people to use them as a stepping stone back into learning and higher education or a way to climb the organisational ladder. They address both individuals looking to develop their skills and companies seeking quality training to address skill gaps within their workforce.

The Evolution of Micro Credentials in Higher Education

Whilst short courses have been available in various formats for many years, in June 2022, the Council of the European Union (EU) adopted a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability. It outlines the landscape of micro credentials & recognises a growing number of people need to update and improve their knowledge, skills and competences to fill the gap between their formal education and training and the needs of a fast-changing society and labour market. It provides recommendations & seeks to support the development, implementation and recognition of micro-credentials across institutions, businesses, sectors and borders.

The result is a game changer in approach, catapulting micro credentials from niche into mainstream. Ireland has really taken the lead and is the first European country to establish a coherent National Framework for quality assured and accredited micro-credentials.

Why Micro Credentials are Gaining Traction in Ireland

By removing the typical barriers to participation in lifelong learning, including time constraints for learners and inflexibility in current programme provision and delivery, micro credentials are fast gaining momentum in Ireland and are endorsed by IUA, HCI & the Government of Ireland. According to an article by Dr Lynn Ramsey Director, MicroCreds & Tony Donoghue Chair, Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, Ireland’s small size means that the universities, National Skills Architecture and Enterprise are used to working together collaboratively, and the European Commission regards Ireland as a ‘microcred’ champion.

MicroCreds.ie states that momentum has stemmed from an ambitious 5 year, €12.3 million project (2020-2025) led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) in partnership with seven of the founding IUA universities.

Key Benefits of Micro-Credentials

The practical benefits of micro-credentials are clear.

Their inherent flexibility means that learners can access learning in small bite sized units, at a time and pace which allows greater balance with both life and work commitments.
Learners get ECTS credits just like any other higher education course & that means their skills are recognised by all European institutions and most employers.
Importantly it creates a much needed bridge between further education & higher education & that makes it very enticing for a variety of learners & not just those happy to embark in full time study.
For employers, micro credentials can help meet the skills gaps that they have identified, or where future skills gaps are anticipated. Everybody wins!

Are Micro Credentials worth it?

According to Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) there is a definite boom in micro credentials because they create a learning path for today’s world of diverse learners in terms of age and gender. Micro credentials are seen as a key mechanism to support continuing professional development and lifelong learning. So the answer to your question is yes, micro credentials are absolutely worth pursuing.

From an individual’s perspective, the boost in knowledge and confidence can make all the difference in securing a promotion or a new job. According to a Silicon Republic, from an employer’s point of view, paying for an employee to do a short course is much cheaper than paying for them to do a full degree. It means they can learn a new skill fast and put it to use within the workplace.

Innopharma Education and the Power of Micro Credentials

Innopharma Education is an award-winning, premier education, research and technology institute for industry-led education and training programmes in the Pharmaceutical, MedTech, Food Science and Digital Transformation Industries. Our new range of micro-credential courses derive from some of our most popular full credit programmes We partner with Education Training Boards across Ireland to create a private/public approach with clear pathways for learners in terms of a framework of scalable countrywide structure. Our partners recognise that a skilled workforce which evolves in response to technology advancement and opportunity is critical to the sustainable success of companies as they navigate through the digital transformation of their businesses.

We offer a range of funded micro-credential courses at QQI Level 5 – Level 9.

QQI Level 5 micro-cred courses:

QQI Level 6 micro-cred courses:

Certificate in Data Visualisation and Analysis (25 ECTS)
Certificate in Operational Excellence (25 ECTS)
Certificate in Supply Chain (20 ECTS)

QQI Level 7 micro-cred courses:

Why Choose Innopharma for Your Micro Credentials Journey?

Innopharma has its eye on what industry needs & what future skills will be in demand. Courses are designed to meet current and future skills needs in Digitisation across the areas of Operational Excellence, Supply Chain Operations, Data Visualisation and Analysis, IT & Industrial Automation and Transversal Skills for a Digital Workplace. The courses vary in length between 6 weeks to 6 months, are industry-led, delivered by industry lecturers & learners receive a QQI accredited Certificate & a digital badge. Weekly classes are delivered online (live recorded) with face-to-face days varying from 1-3 Saturdays depending on the course.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to Upskilling with Micro Credentials

As micro credentials gain traction in the Irish job market, they offer a valuable opportunity for both employees and employers to embrace and foster lifelong learning. These bite-sized, industry-aligned credentials not only equip individuals with the skills needed to stay ahead of the curve but also provide a new way for employers to invest in career development and upskilling for employees.

Studying at Innopharma Education gives you the skills advantage you need for a rewarding career in high-demand industries. Our micro credential courses are funded, supported by the government and sought by industry – making them a no-brainer for anyone looking to enter a new industry or excel in their current role. With plenty of micro credential courses to choose from, Innopharma Education is renowned for offering advice and guidance in helping you make the right choice.

Take the first step today by contacting us, visiting the micro credentials course page on our website to register your interest & an Innopharma Team member will contact you to help you with your decision.