A major milestone in the University of Limerick micro-credential national project.

UL, in partnership with Skillnet Ireland are launching the first enterprise-led micro-credential programmes dedicated to climate action in Ireland. 

Skillnet Ireland in partnership with UL are launching the first enterprise-led micro-credential programmes dedicated to climate action in Ireland. 

The stackable micro-credentials, developed by Skillnet Ireland’s Climate Ready Academy, will enable participants to develop tailored sustainability charters and action plans for their organisation across the areas of energy, sustainability and waste and circularity while also achieving recognised third-level certification on the National Framework of Qualifications.  The micro-credentials may be stacked, over time, leading to a full Level 7 award accredited by the University of Limerick.

The micro-credential programmes launched are:

• Energy Leaders
• Waste and Circular Economy Leaders
• Sustainability Leaders

These programmes are designed to incentivise and support employees in developing practical environmental improvements for their businesses.

Discussing the programmes at the launch, Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The climate action leadership programmes launched today play a pivotal role in developing the talent needed by industry and in meeting the targets of the Government’s Climate Action Plan.

University of Limerick President Prof. Kerstin Mey said: “This is a great example of how we collaborate with industry through Skillnet Ireland and the Climate Ready Academy to deliver a new form of learning which is based on the micro-credential earned through the participation in each individual programme. The stackable micro-credentials will enable participants to apply practical skills for climate action within their business and obtain a Level 7 Certificate awarded by our University.”

Earlier this year, Skillnet Ireland published research on ‘Talent for the Green Economy’ in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The report found specific skills gaps in the which are holding back businesses when it comes to developing and implementing sustainability strategies. The new programmes are one of Skillnet Ireland’s new initiatives designed for removing these identified barriers.

The Micro-credentials will be offered by Skillnet Ireland and accredited by the University of Limerick. 

What are Micro-credentials?

The University of Limerick has been playing a critical role in the delivery of the MicroCreds national project, led by the Irish Universities Association and delivered in partnership with each of the seven founding IUA universities.  Its vision is to empower lifelong learning in Ireland by re-imagining learner’s relationship with education through agile, accessible and bite-sized qualifications: micro-credentials.

For more information on MicroCreds click here.