From Community Engagement to Career Readiness: The Role of Micro-Credentials in Enhancing Graduate Employability

This study explored undergraduate students’ and community partners’ perceptions of the value of micro-credentials within community-engaged Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in technical education programs in South-East Nigeria. Guided by Experiential Learning Theory, Human Capital Theory, and Signaling Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods exploratory design to examine how micro-credentials were perceived in relation to employability-related competencies, professional confidence, and career readiness. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 412 undergraduate students enrolled in technical education programs incorporating community-engaged WIL, while qualitative data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 20 students and 12 community partners involved in WIL supervision and collaboration. Findings revealed generally positive student perceptions regarding the usefulness of micro-credentials for recognising competencies developed through experiential learning, strengthening confidence in communicating skills, and supporting preparedness for future employment. Qualitative findings further suggested that students viewed micro-credentials as useful for documenting technical and transferable competencies, encouraging reflective learning, and articulating skills gained through community-engaged experiences. Community partners similarly perceived micro-credentials as potentially valuable indicators of students’ preparedness and engagement within collaborative projects. However, participants identified institutional and contextual constraints, including limited awareness, inconsistent implementation, inadequate guidance, and weak digital infrastructure. The study suggests that micro-credentials may serve as useful mechanisms for recognising and communicating learning developed through community-engaged WIL while highlighting the need for stronger institutional support and clearer implementation strategies.