Ascendia, a leading developer of e-learning solutions, is a partner in a new project funded by the European Union (EU) under the Erasmus+ Forward Looking Program, EMPASS: The Employment Skills Pass, a quality standard for a faster transition from education to employment. This innovative initiative aims to provide young people with the tools and qualifications they need to succeed in the dynamic job market. The 14-partner consortium, led by Junior Achievement Europe, Europe's largest provider of entrepreneurship education, work readiness and financial health programs, is developing new micro-credentials that will enable young Europeans to develop and validate essential employability skills while meeting the evolving demands of employers across Europe.

The new micro-credentials will be developed in collaboration with leading education experts through a partnership that includes different national organizations, business sector representatives as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers in Europe. The consortium is led by Junior Achievement and consists of Ascendia, Fundacion Junior Achievement Espana, Zurich Insurance Plc Sucursal En España, Institut Escola Del Treball De Barcelona, Somateio Epixeirimatikotita Neon, Institouto Mikron Epichiriseon Genikis Synomospondias, Institouto Ergasias Gsee, Asociatia Junior Achievement Romania, Colegiul Economic "Virgil Madgearu" Bucharest, I-Ds Koucing & Konsalting Dooel, Experis Manpowergroup, Accenture Belgium and Worldskills Romania Foundation as associate.

Building on the existing training experience of the project consortium partners, the new micro-credentials will focus on transversal skills and TVET and will be delivered through a combination of online assessments and practical challenges. The certification upon successful completion of the program will demonstrate to potential employers the candidate's readiness in terms of soft skills needed for a successful career.

At the launch of the EMPASS project, Cosmin Mălureanu, CEO and co-founder of Ascendia, said, "We are delighted to be part of this innovative project and to work with Junior Achievement Europe and the other consortium partners to develop a new certification, connected to the needs of the labor market. At Ascendia, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of young people by providing essential tools to successfully navigate the dynamic world of the labor market. This project is a significant step in that direction, giving young people the opportunity to validate essential employability skills in line with the evolving requirements of employers across Europe.".

Gabriel Lazăr, Ascendia's Director of Development and Research, sees this project as a leap forward in the development and education of young people in Europe: "The EMPASS project will be a game-changer, giving young Europeans the opportunity to build a solid future and actively contribute to the European economy. We are proud to be part of this joint effort and to make a significant contribution to fostering a workforce tailored to the demands of today's labor market, in line with the EU's objectives for growth and skills development."

The EU's support for the development of new micro-credentials underlines its commitment to promoting a highly skilled workforce capable of boosting growth in Europe. The objectives of the EMPASS project are closely aligned with the new skills agenda for Europe and the Digital Agenda for Europe and the Digital Literacy Action Plan, which recognize the need for innovative and learner-centred approaches to education and skills development.

As part of the initiative, JA Europe will use its extensive network of 42 member organizations in 40 European countries to pilot and implement the new micro-credentials on a large scale, reaching thousands of young people across Europe every year.