Micro-qualifications are key to bridging skills gap in the workforce.
Following a rigorous development, vetting and review process, a milestone was reached with the formal accreditation of two essential micro-qualifications titled ‘Enhance Agricultural and Fisheries Value Chains in the Pacific Islands’ (VCA) and ‘Scale-up Community-Based Fisheries Management in the Pacific’ (CBFM).
These micro-qualifications were developed under The University of the South Pacific (USP) component of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme, funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden.
It offers focused and formal recognition with the aim to improve the capacities of fisheries practitioners/trainers in the region to work towards marine resource sustainability for food and livelihood security in a changing climate context while considering gender and social inclusion.
The qualifications were accredited by the Educational Quality and Assessment Program (EQAP) of the Pacific Community (SPC); who officially handed over the certificates of accreditation to USP PEUMP component on Thursday 15 August at the Tanoa Plaza in Suva.
“Enhancing value chains in the fisheries sector and scaling-up Community Based Fisheries Management are key components and objectives of the overall PEUMP programme,” said the Ocean Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific.
“We are certain that these two micro-qualifications will continue to support professionals in improving their skills, developing their careers and reaching their personal ambitions and; also support communities in the Pacific to sustainably manage their resources.”
Micro qualifications are a form of certification as per the Pacific Qualifications Framework that focuses on specific skills or knowledge in a particular area. Hence, it is typically shorter and more targeted than traditional degrees or certifications.
“Quality assuring training courses and programmes is a significant step towards the formal recognition of the knowledge and skills participants will have acquired and will be able to apply in the workplace,” said Dr Paula Vivili, the SPC Deputy Director General, Science and Capability.
“SPC’s initiative on accreditation of short courses fills an important gap in the enhancement of the quality of education and training in the region.”
“The USP PEUMP component will further support the delivery of these micro-qualification trainings through sponsorship of the first cohorts across the programme’s 15 target countries in the Pacific,” said Professor Surendra Prasad, Head of School of Agriculture, Environment, Geography, Oceans and Natural Resources, USP.
“It is our hope that graduates of these micro-qualifications will advance their career pathways in national or regional fisheries agencies, non-governmental and civil society organisations in the area of community-based fisheries management (CBFM) and agricultural and fisheries value chains.”
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the PEUMP Programme. Funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, the EUR 45 million PEUMP programme promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth, while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.
It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to oceanic fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action.
