Micro-Credentials as a Development Catalyst: The Growing Role of Short-Course Certifications in Caribbean Employability

Authors

  • Prof. Dr. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Sr.) Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Dr. Justin Joseph Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Jr.) Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Coretta McDonald Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Orande Kenneatior Solomon Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Shenelle Rambhajan Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.4.32

Keywords:

Micro-credentials, Caribbean employability, short-course certifications, lifelong learning, Guyana, workforce mobility, competency verification, flexible higher education, digital access, national qualifications framework

Abstract

Micro-credentials have emerged as a dynamic component of global workforce development, offering rapid, skills-focused pathways that complement or extend traditional academic qualifications. Caribbean economies, including Guyana, face significant labour-market shifts driven by technological advancement, economic diversification, and demand for adaptable skillsets. This article examines the increasing relevance of micro-credentials as a mechanism for strengthening employability, supporting economic transformation, and addressing skills mismatches in the region. Drawing upon empirical studies, international workforce analyses, and Caribbean development frameworks, the article evaluates how micro-credentials enhance labour-market mobility, expand access to learning, and promote lifelong professional development. Strategic implications for higher-education institutions, governments, and regional labour policies are explored.

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References

Caribbean Development Bank. (2022). Social and economic review of Caribbean labour markets. CDB Publications.

CARICOM Secretariat. (2021). Human resource development 2030 strategy. CARICOM.

Chand, A., & Williams, M. (2021). Digital inequality and barriers to technology integration in small developing states. Caribbean Journal of Education, 42(1), 55-74.

Government of Guyana. (2022). National human resource development strategy. Ministry of Labour.

Inter-American Development Bank. (2022). The future of skills in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Publications.

International Labour Organization. (2021). Skills and the future of work: Caribbean regional report. ILO.

International Telecommunication Union. (2022). Digital development measurements: Caribbean regional overview. ITU.

Moore, K., & Taylor, S. (2021). Digital access and the future of work in small island states. Journal of Development Studies, 58(4), 612-629.

OECD. (2021). Micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability. OECD Publishing.

UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining skills development for the digital age. UNESCO Publishing.

United Nations Development Programme. (2022). Human development and skills transformation in the Caribbean. UNDP.

van Dijk, J. (2020). The digital divide (3rd ed.). Polity Press.

Wheelahan, L., & Moodie, G. (2022). Global trends in micro-credentials: Implications for skills and higher education. Springer.

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Published

2025-07-31

How to Cite

Paul (Sr.), S. A. V., Joseph, P. D. J., Paul (Jr.), S. A. V., McDonald, C., Solomon, O. K., & Rambhajan, S. (2025). Micro-Credentials as a Development Catalyst: The Growing Role of Short-Course Certifications in Caribbean Employability. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, 5(4), 203–205. https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.4.32

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): July Issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Dr. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Sr.), Prof. Dr. Justin Joseph, Prof. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Jr.), Prof. Coretta McDonald, Prof. Orande Kenneatior Solomon, Prof. Shenelle Rambhajan

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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