Microcredentials in Lifelong Development of Green Skills: The Case of Croatia

For the last ten years, the topics of sustainability, the green economy, and environmental protection have been the focus of international and national policies. Policies emphasize the responsibility of institutions and highlight the individual’s role in establishing a sustainable development system. This direction implies the creation of policies and strategies based on constant economic and social progress on the one hand and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources and progress without harming the environment or natural resources on the other hand. Of course, the main goal of such policies is to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels, but they are also applied in all aspects of everyday life. All the policies, strategies, and strategic objectives of the European Union are related to connecting different sectors to sustainable development and green policies. Such a role was also given to lifelong learning and the adult education system through measures and significant financial support for implementing these policies. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026 emphasizes the acquisition of green skills through adult education vouchers, where 70% of the programs to be funded cover programs for the acquisition of green skills. The adoption of regulations, methodology development, and adult education programs, including microcredentials, aligned with the Croatian Qualifications Framework and the establishment of education vouchers enabled citizens to attend adult education programs free of charge. The process was successfully implemented and included several promotional activities to motivate citizens’ participation.