Redefining Training and Certification in the Tourism Sector Through Innovative European Collaboration

In a world where the professional landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting economic priorities, the importance of flexible, widely recognized, and industry-specific qualifications cannot be overstated. Enter the Erasmus+ MICROIDEA project—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at redefining micro-credentials across Europe. With a focus on the tourism sector, MICROIDEA seeks to establish a harmonized methodology for the design, issuance, validation, and certification of micro-credentials that are recognized at both national and European levels. The project’s ultimate goal is to align these credentials with existing quality assurance systems and the international ISO 17024 certification standard.

Advancing Micro-Credentials with Purpose

The MICROIDEA project is built on a robust foundation of prior research and policy measures, including Active Labour Market Policies and open-context project initiatives. The objectives of the project reflect its ambition and scope:

1. Establishing a Micro-Credential Framework: Developing a system linked to ISO 17024, ensuring internationally recognized validation and certification.
2. Balancing National and International Systems: Harmonizing national certification systems with international standards, particularly for non-formal Vocational Education and Training (VET).
3. Skills Needs Analysis: Designing and implementing an online tool to analyze skills gaps and needs.
4. Piloting in the Tourism Sector: Implementing the micro-credential system for the occupation of a waiter, focusing on key knowledge, skills, and competencies specific to the sector.
5. Ensuring Impact and Sustainability: Disseminating and exploiting project results to influence European policies and ensure long-term impact.

The MICROIDEA 2nd TPM & Launch Conference

The MICROIDEA consortium gathered in Nicosia, Cyprus, for the second Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) on December 10-11, 2024. Hosted by the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and co-organized with Eurosuccess Consulting, the partners met to discuss all the deliverables completed within its first year and coordinate on the next activities. A highlight of the TPM, was our presentation of the Occupational Profile of the Waiter which was a collaborative endeavour, led by us, Eurosuccess Consulting with the support of the Greek-German Chamber of Industry.

• Occupational Profile Development: Following extensive research and consultations with stakeholders from Greece, Cyprus, and Spain, the project introduced a comprehensive occupational profile for waiters. This profile includes core and specialized skills designed to be modular, enabling certification through micro-credentials.

On December 12, 2024, the MICROIDEA project was officially launched through a hybrid conference titled “Building the Future of Skills in the Tourism Sector: A European Approach to Micro-Credentials.” The event attracted representatives from the tourism industry, educational institutions, and policymakers. Esteemed speakers, including Ms. Anastasia Pouliou, a Cedefop expert, shared insights on the evolving role of micro-credentials in education and the labor market, while Ms Annita Demetriadou, Director of Tourism at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, and Ms Christiana Iacovidou, General Manager of Cleopatra Hotel, discussed the local context of the tourism sector and the needs that appear in skill shortages and trainings in the hospitality sector.

Roundtable Insights

The conference concluded with a dynamic roundtable discussion featuring industry and academic leaders. The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Lukasz Sienkiewicz, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Management and Economics at Gdansk University Technology and the Q&A Session by Giorgos Giorgakis, Managing Director of EUROSC. The participants were:

• Sandor Karacsony, Senior Economist, World Bank expert
• Andreas Alexi, representative of chamber NCCI chamber
• Vicent Pastor, officer of the General Directorate for VET of the Regional Ministry of Catalonia
• Dr Wojciech Stęchły, expert at Educational Research Institute in Warsaw (IBE) and assistant professor at Warsaw School of Economics (SGH)
• Xavier Mudarra Pizarro, Technical Teaching Advisor in Vocational Education and Training internationalisation at the Directorate General of Vocational Training of the Generalitat de Catalunya
• Yannis Tsichlis, Corporate Affairs Director. – Grecotel Hotels & Resorts – N. Daskalantonakis Group, Greece
• Magda Peistikou, Head of Learning and Development, Institute of Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE)

Key findings included:

1. The need to reintroduce and continuously evaluate training concepts within the tourism sector.
2. Addressing structural and cultural challenges related to the adoption of micro-credentials.
3. Emphasizing the role of labor market organizations and stakeholders in owning the micro-credential content and certification processes.
4. Strengthening collaboration between VET centers and Chambers of Tourism to align educational and industry standards.

The MICROIDEA project is paving the way for a future where micro-credentials play a pivotal role in bridging education and employment. By addressing the specific needs of the tourism sector and aligning with international standards, the project exemplifies innovation and collaboration at its best. As the MICROIDEA initiative continues to unfold, its impact on European policies and workforce development is set to leave a lasting legacy.

For more details and updates, visit the official project page: www.micro-idea.eu