CARE-ME – Microcredential-based recognition pathways for the validation of skills of home-based caregivers

CARE-ME makes the skills of family and informal caregivers visible and supports their recognition in vocational education and training. The project develops practical ways to identify and assess competences gained through caring for others at home, helping caregivers access further training and pathways towards employment in the care sector.

Project time

1 September 2026–31 August 2028

Goals and activities

The project aims to:

• identify and recognise skills acquired through home-based caregiving
• develop a clear pathway connecting caregivers’ experience with vocational education and training
• strengthen inclusion and support a sustainable care workforce.

Project activities

• Compare caregiving competences and recognition practices across five countries.
• Develop a competence profile and practical assessment tools with caregivers and VET professionals.
• Create seven microcredentials linked to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
• Develop a Europass-compatible digital skills portfolio and accessible learning materials.
• Pilot the recognition pathway with 150 home-based caregivers and 25 VET professionals.
• Organise national policy roundtables and a European conference to share results and recommendations

Expected outcomes

CARE-ME will produce a competence profile, a validation toolkit, seven microcredentials, a digital skills portfolio and a learning toolkit for caregivers. Five national White Papers and an EU Policy Brief will support the wider use of the results. These resources will help vocational education providers recognise caregivers’ existing skills and support their progression into further learning and employment. 

CARE-ME supports Samiedu’s goals of continuous learning, employment and customer-oriented education by recognising informally acquired skills and creating pathways into further training and working life.

Partners

Lead Partner:  Agenzia My Eap srl, Italy

Project Partners:

Mindshift Skills Hub LDA, Portugal
Samiedu Municipal Education and Training Consortium, Finland
Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, Türkiye
Le Forem, Belgium

Budget

Total project budget: €250,000, of which EU funding for 80%, self-funding for 20%

The European Union’s Erasmus+ programme: Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training (KA220-VET).