Flexible Lifelong Learning Pathways in the Textile and Clothing Sector Through Micro-credentials
Traumann, Ada; Amgwerd, Marja; Karell, Essi; Mäkelä, Marjaana; Vasile, Simone; Höijer, Ann-Charlotte (2025)
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avautuu julkiseksi: 22.03.2026
Springer Nature
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025041627641
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025041627641
Tiivistelmä
Micro-credentials constitute an initiative to be developed in the EU especially for lifelong learning and for recognizing one’s competences. A micro-credential can be defined as a proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired by studying small learning units.
The objective of this research was to create micro-credentials suitable for the textile and clothing sector (TCS), which faces major challenges and future transformations. The research was conducted within Erasmus + funded project SusTexEdu (2022–2024) that aims to enhance sustainability education in TCS.
The micro-credential development started with the analysis of what kind of green skills and competencies are needed in TCS. A multi-modal approach was applied: The data were gathered via an online survey and structured interviews with industry representatives in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Hungary and Sweden.
Upon the results, six learning modules were created as micro-credentials, each containing small learning units that address various sustainability topics in TCS. In total, 25 learning units were developed, targeting students enrolled in the education levels 4 (vocational schools) and 6 (higher education); and other industry professionals.
For quality assurance a syllabus template was co-created, considering the mandatory elements for the micro-credentials. Eventually, 13 learning units were piloted in the SusTexEdu partner institutions and feedback was collected from students and teachers. Experts from the industry were also engaged to critically evaluate the micro-credentials. A quality handbook was created to safeguard the quality of the developed micro-credentials, but also to support other educational institutions in this matter.
The objective of this research was to create micro-credentials suitable for the textile and clothing sector (TCS), which faces major challenges and future transformations. The research was conducted within Erasmus + funded project SusTexEdu (2022–2024) that aims to enhance sustainability education in TCS.
The micro-credential development started with the analysis of what kind of green skills and competencies are needed in TCS. A multi-modal approach was applied: The data were gathered via an online survey and structured interviews with industry representatives in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Hungary and Sweden.
Upon the results, six learning modules were created as micro-credentials, each containing small learning units that address various sustainability topics in TCS. In total, 25 learning units were developed, targeting students enrolled in the education levels 4 (vocational schools) and 6 (higher education); and other industry professionals.
For quality assurance a syllabus template was co-created, considering the mandatory elements for the micro-credentials. Eventually, 13 learning units were piloted in the SusTexEdu partner institutions and feedback was collected from students and teachers. Experts from the industry were also engaged to critically evaluate the micro-credentials. A quality handbook was created to safeguard the quality of the developed micro-credentials, but also to support other educational institutions in this matter.