As lead for the French pilot in SETS, at the Social Good Accelerator designed and implemented a series of micro-trainings aimed at strengthening digital competences within the social economy. Our objective was clear: to provide accessible, relevant, and high-quality training for professionals working under time and resource constraints, and to do so in a way that reflected their values and realities.
Designing for the field
We began by mapping the needs of our target learners: staff, volunteers, and managers from small and mid-sized organisations, often balancing operational responsibilities with limited digital familiarity. We created a self-assessment tool to help participants identify their starting point and priorities. Based on this, we built modular pathways aligned with European digital competence standards, tailored specifically for the social economy.
This preparatory work enabled us to create flexible formats that respected the pace and context of each learner, while ensuring common quality standards across all training sessions.
Combining structure and flexibility
We offered three training pathways:
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Ethical and responsible AI
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Digital collaboration and communication tools
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Measuring and communicating social impact
Each course combined autonomous learning with peer exchange: short video capsules, real case studies, supporting resources, and optional live sessions. We hosted the modules on a user-friendly platform with built-in tracking and certification, and reinforced engagement through live kick-off webinars, a Slack-based community, and regular follow-up communications.
This mix allowed participants to learn at their own rhythm, while still benefiting from collective moments of reflection and exchange.
Learning and adapting in real time
Over 80 participants joined the pilot, with two-thirds completing at least one full course. According to our post-training surveys, nearly 90% reported feeling more confident in using digital tools in their work, and more than 75% had already applied at least one new skill in their organisation within weeks.
Throughout the pilot, we actively listened to feedback and made iterative adjustments. We simplified exercises, clarified technical terms, and provided additional support for those less familiar with online environments. Weekly internal reviews helped us respond rapidly to learner needs.
One highlight of this process was hosting the project’s Transnational Meeting in Lille, a valuable opportunity to compare experiences, identify shared challenges, and collectively refine the training framework with our peers.
Recognising effort and progression
We chose a pragmatic and inclusive approach to recognition. While formal certification was not feasible at this stage, we provided certificates of completion aligned with European learning descriptors. These documents acknowledged acquired competences and gave visibility to participants’ learning efforts.
This flexible model struck a balance between accessibility and recognition, particularly valuable for those operating outside traditional training frameworks.
Setting the stage for what comes next
This pilot has already had ripple effects. Several participants expressed a desire to deepen their learning, and we have begun developing new offers inspired by this experience, including a no-code training academy for non-profit staff and volunteers.
Beyond tools and content, this pilot reinforced our core strategy: amplifying the needs and voices of the sector, designing learning offers that are truly useful, and building bridges between local actors and European expertise.
What we take with us
Delivering this pilot required agility and persistence. We navigated platform bugs, adapted content mid-course based on participant feedback, and supported learners juggling demanding roles with limited time. We made real-time changes — shortening modules, simplifying terminology, and introducing use cases that better reflected the realities of small organisations.
Through these challenges, we gained clarity on what makes digital training effective in the social economy: relevance over volume, autonomy balanced with peer connection, and formats that respect both attention and constraints.
We now move forward with tested methods, sharper insight, and a renewed commitment to designing learning that fits the people it is meant to serve.
