Enhancing Employability Through Digital Microcredentials: Lessons Learned from Latin America and the Caribbean
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The MOCHILA project is aimed at building capacity for the design and issuance of digital microcredentials across Latin America and the Caribbean, with a specific focus on Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Guatemala. MOCHILA contributes to the digital transformation of universities in the Region so that they can keep up with the shifting demands of the job market. A framework is proposed built upon an extensive analysis of the regulatory and academic environments across 17 different countries, ensuring the framework is practical and fits the local context. Insights from over 2,000 participants during the project's diagnostic phase show a clear trend: while many students and professionals are still unfamiliar with the specific term microcredentials, there is a strong desire for shorter, digital certifications that show specific skills to employers. However, the path to widespread use is not without problems. Many institutions are still struggling with outdated technology, a lack of clear national policies, and a traditional academic culture that is slow to change. By building a regional cooperation network, the MOCHILA project hopes to bring these fragmented efforts together and create a sustainable, quality-driven system for the entire region.
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7220680554