Over the past two years, partners from Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro have been jointly working on the development of micro-qualifications. More than 250 participants from the education sector, ministries, agencies, employment services, and employers have been involved. Based on labour market analyses and focus groups with employers in the field of mechanical engineering, the competencies needed in the area of 3D printing were identified.
A Significant Step Forward for Montenegro
The activities carried out within the project represent an important step in introducing microcredentials into Montenegro’s education system. The project’s most significant achievement is the legal recognition of micro-qualifications, now incorporated into key laws on national vocational qualifications, the qualifications framework, and adult education.
The introduction of micro-qualifications enables the acquisition of additional knowledge, skills, and competencies through clearly defined and officially recognised programmes, accessible to a wide range of citizens—including foreigners and stateless persons. Micro-qualifications provide evidence of acquired competencies, and through their recognition and assessment, Montenegro is establishing a modern and flexible education system tailored to labour market needs.
This project and the adopted policy changes are considered major milestones in the modernisation of the education system, offering new opportunities for vocational upskilling and professional development, thereby contributing to the country’s continued economic and social progress.
Pilot Programme in Focus
In the coming period, we will begin testing the micro-qualification “Production of Simple Products Using 3D Printing” in all partner countries. The pilot phase will allow:
- learners to acquire new, practical skills in 3D modelling and printing,
- teachers to explore new teaching approaches,
- employers to connect with educational institutions and provide feedback,
- partners to test the methodology and ensure the quality of future micro-qualifications.
The project partners aim to conduct the pilot with at least 40 participants across all five partner countries. There is already great interest in taking part, and the groups are expected to fill quickly, demonstrating how well recognised and needed such programmes are in the field of vocational education and training.
Pilot Implementation at Craft College
The pilot programme of the micro-qualification “Production of Simple Products Using 3D Printing”, implemented at Craft College, began at the end of September with a group of eight participants from diverse professional backgrounds and with varying levels of prior knowledge of 3D printing. During the training, participants gained fundamental knowledge and skills in 3D printing technology and independently modelled and produced their own items. The final projects showcased the participants’ creativity and innovation, as well as the wide range of possibilities for applying 3D printing in creating everyday objects.
Feedback from participants was extremely positive—everyone expressed high satisfaction with the programme content, teaching approach, and the opportunity to apply what they learned in practice. The final project presentations were held as part of the Erasmus Days celebration, underscoring the importance of lifelong learning, international cooperation, and innovative approaches to adult education.
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Author: Danijel Đekić, Head of International Relations, Craft College