On September 11th, we had the pleasure of hosting a focused public discussion titled “Policy Meets Practice – Promoting Microcredentials in the Local Skills Agenda”, as part of the European project MICROIDEA. The event was co-organised with the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and brought together key stakeholders from the fields of vocational training, public policy, and the tourism industry.

Held online via Zoom, the discussion attracted participants from across Cyprus and abroad, all interested in the growing role of microcredentials in enhancing employability, addressing sectoral skills gaps, and aligning training with market needs.

What We Discussed

The agenda began with a presentation of the MICROIDEA project and its main outputs, followed by an overview of the National Framework for Microcredentials currently under discussion in Cyprus. The core of the event was a panel discussion, where experts shared practical insights and policy-level reflections on how microcredentials can become an effective tool in workforce development—especially in tourism and hospitality.

Our Esteemed Speakers

We were honoured to be joined by four high-level speakers representing both institutional and sectoral perspectives:

• Theodoros Charalambous, Tourism Development Advisor & Former President, Institute of Hospitality (UK)
• Stella Philippou, Senior Officer, Human Resource Development Authority (ANAD)
• Christos Tanteles, Senior Officer, Department of Labour Relations & Social Policy, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI)
• Fanos Leventis, President, Cyprus Association of Recreation Venue Owners (PASIKA)

Each speaker contributed unique insights—ranging from policy frameworks and funding mechanisms, to the real-world skill gaps faced by employers, and the potential of microcredentials to upskill workers efficiently and flexibly.

Key Takeaways

• Although there is not a structured framework for integrating microcredentials in Cyprus, there is clear momentum toward formalising microcredentials.
• The tourism sector presents a strong case for piloting microcredentials, due to its seasonal nature and evolving skill demands, but ultimately we would need to modernise the occupation of the waiter to match the current expectations.
• Cross-sector collaboration—between employers, policy-makers, and education providers—is essential for meaningful implementation.
• Flexibility, modularity, and recognition are key to building trust in microcredentials among both learners and employers.

What’s Next?

This event marked an important step in bringing together theory and practice. We remain committed to the MICROIDEA mission: helping embed modular, labour-market-relevant learning pathways into the VET systems of Europe. As the project moves toward piloting and final outputs, we look forward to continuing the conversation—not just in policy circles, but on the ground where skills matter most.

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