Micro-Credentials offer bite-sized skills to boost youth employability - Cape Business News

At 45,4%, South Africa’s youth unemployment rate dwarfs the national average (32,9%), highlighting the struggle many young people face entering the workforce. Though a traditional university degree can increase job prospects, factors like cost, time commitment, and location often make it inaccessible. Furthermore, 35,5% of young South Africans are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), further compounding the problem. “A means to reducing this is through online micro-credentials, which are compact courses certifying specific skills and knowledge that can overcome these barriers by providing young people with access to learning, thereby improving their chances of employability,” says Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBI-electric: low voltage.

https://www.cbn.co.za/industry-news/skills-training-development/micro-credentials-offer-bite-sized-skills-to-boost-youth-employability/

Governor touts ‘Ready for Industry’ program, free online learning for high-demand jobs - Northern Ky Tribune

Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that Kentuckians seeking to enter the workforce now have free access to a new online learning program to help prepare them for good jobs in several high-demand industries. Team Kentucky is offering free access to the Ready for Industry program thanks to $5 million in funding awarded to the Education and Labor Cabinet through a federal Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training (QUEST) grant. Each Ready for Industry course is 15-20 hours of instruction designed to help jobseekers understand what it’s like to work in several high-demand industries, like manufacturing, health care, information technology, transportation, distribution and logistics and architecture and construction.

https://nkytribune.com/2024/07/governor-touts-ready-for-industry-program-free-online-learning-for-high-demand-jobs/

Fostering Upward Mobility through Low-Cost Certification: A Practical Guide for Higher Education - Melissa Wells, Faculty Focus

The development of programs that not only meet the needs of working people but also guarantee their upward mobility through accessible, affordable routes is essential in the effort to improve the quality of education and assist different learners. The new Teaching Assistant Certificate Program at Empire State University is a prime example of a workable strategy for accomplishing this objective. It was created especially to help paraprofessionals—including those from underrepresented groups—to progress in the teaching profession (Smith and Johnson, 2021).

https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/course-design-ideas/fostering-upward-mobility-through-low-cost-certification-a-practical-guide-for-higher-education/

The push for micro-credentials in Singapore: What are they and are they for you? - Jalelah Abu Baker, CNA

These courses, called micro-credentials, are already being offered by Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), but will be improved, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said on Tuesday (Jul 9) at the SkillsFuture Forum 2024. He cited numbers showing that they are popular: The number of completed micro-credential courses increased from 34,000 in 2019 to 42,000 in 2022.  The providers, which include polytechnics, universities and Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs), will standardise the naming of such courses. They are also working on how to make micro-credentials recognisable across institutions.  More micro-credentials are set to be developed, especially on skills in emerging areas, including in collaboration with industry. 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/micro-credentials-institutes-higher-learning-moe-chan-chun-sing-skills-upgrade-4475331

State university ‘microcredential’ programs offer flexible education for high-needs industries - BROOKLYN DRAISEY, Iowa Capital Dispatch

From his experience working with Iowa State University business students seeking a deeper education through microcredential programs, Board of Regents member JC Risewick said the skills, experience and enthusiasm they’ve shown would get them hired on the spot. Microcredentials are what Iowa State University Associate Provost Ann Marie VanDerZanden described as shorter disciplinary programs that instill knowledge, skills and abilities through focused learning. She said they allow learners to get a leg up on the workforce competition and possibly push them to receiving more educational credentials down the line. “They’re coming out of school with some really specific skill sets that they can use right away,” Risewick said. “So I think these are wonderful programs.”

https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/02/28/state-university-microcredential-programs-offer-flexible-education-for-high-needs-industries/

How to Choose a Microcredential - Sarah Wood, US News

Microcredentials – sometimes referred to as non-degree or short-term credentials – have grown in popularity, raising many questions about their worth. In the U.S., the public has more familiarity with degrees than short-term credentials, says Marni Baker Stein, chief content officer at Coursera, an open online course provider. "There's a lot of information about short-form credentials out there on the internet that people can search for," she says. "But one has to really make sure that you are reaching out to a trusted source because there's so much misinformation out there around certificates and their value." Here's what to consider before pursuing these credentials.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-choose-a-microcredential

Weber State University to develop degrees, certificates taught in Spanish - Rob Nielse, Standard

Weber State University is launching a sweeping program in the hope of building a stronger bilingual workforce. The university announced last month it is aiming to develop a program that will offer certificates and degrees through classes taught entirely in Spanish. Known as the Building Puentes program, the effort was made possible in large part thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, according to a press release. “The Building Puentes program will offer ‘stackable credentials’ — courses designed to build on each other so that a certificate could count toward an associate’s degree, which could then count toward a bachelor’s degree in the same area of study,” the release said.

https://www.standard.net/news/education/2024/apr/08/weber-state-university-to-develop-degrees-certificates-taught-in-spanish/

CU Boulder, Google launch free career certificate program for students and staff - University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder is the first four-year institution in Colorado to partner with Google to offer the Google Career Certificates program.“This innovative partnership—the first of its kind in the state—allows students to add a quality, industry-recognized credential to their collegiate experience potentially enhancing a student’s marketability in the workforce,” said Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. “It also aligns with our stackable credentials work, which allows employers to inform postsecondary program curriculum to ensure graduates are developing the skills and competencies most valued by employers—a clear win-win for students and employers.”

https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/02/05/cu-boulder-google-launch-free-career-certificate-program-students-and-staff

Stackable certificates kickstart career opportunities - Seattle Times

Across Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges, stackable certificate programs are growing to align with the needs of both students and employers. Through these programs, students learn specific, job-related skills and knowledge in a relatively short period of time, often ranging from a few months to a year. Students can immediately improve their economic status with certificates, and later return to college and apply those certificates to associate and bachelor’s degrees. Stackable certificates benefit students of all ages and stages in their careers. People use them to kick-start their careers, to change jobs, or to move up in their current professions.

https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/stackable-certificates-kickstart-career-opportunities/

ASU introduces trailblazing 'stackable microcredentials' pilot -Braveman Mpafa, ASU

Arizona State University's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is at the forefront of transforming engineering and technology education through "stackable microcredentials." These microcredentials address the urgent demand for adaptable upskilling and reskilling across engineering and technology fields, reflecting the dynamic nature of today's workforce requirements. According to the World Economic Forum, in an era where job skills expire in less than five years, and technical expertise deteriorates even faster, stackable microcredentials offer a timely remedy. The World Economic Forum’s 2020 Future of Jobs Report highlights that, by 2025, half of the global workforce will require reskilling, emphasizing the urgent necessity for ongoing learning and skill augmentation.

https://news.asu.edu/20240402-science-and-technology-asu-introduces-trailblazing-stackable-microcredentials-pilot

Stackable certificates could be a lifeline for governments facing an IT talent crisis - Nelson Lim, Route Fifty.com

Local and state governments are grappling with a severe shortage of skilled IT workers, particularly in critical areas such as cybersecurity, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. With their higher salaries and more attractive work environments, the private sector and the federal government are poaching talent from local and state governments. Compounding this workforce shortage is a retention crisis. The “Great Resignation” significantly impacted the public sector, with many employees leaving their jobs for retirement, better pay, benefits, or due to burnout. A 2022 survey revealed that more than half of state and local government workers were considering leaving their jobs. So, how can the public sector bridge this widening talent gap and improve retention? The answer may lie in upskilling current employees through stackable certificate programs.

https://www.route-fifty.com/workforce/2024/07/stackable-certificates-could-be-lifeline-governments-facing-it-talent-crisis/397976/

VCU Global Education Office offering two new microcredential digital badges - VCU News

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Global Education Office has debuted two microcredential digital badges – Global Zone Training and Peace Corps Prep – that offer educators and students specialized instruction to meet the evolving landscape of college and beyond. “The digital badging that is now being offered through the Global Education Office is yet another example of ‘at-home internationalization’ and is an innovative global initiative that benefits the entire VCU community,” said Jill Blondin, Ph.D., associate vice provost for global initiatives. “The knowledge that is gained through Global Zone training not only enhances professional development, but it also equips faculty and staff members to serve our international student community optimally.”

https://www.news.vcu.edu/article/2024/07/vcu-global-education-office-offering-two-new-microcredential-digital-badges

Assoc Profs Guan Chong and May Lim on harmonising micro-credentials to help adult learners - CNA

The Singapore government has urged Institutes of Higher Learning to mutually recognise each other's certificates from bite-sized courses. These 'micro-credentials' are typically for job-specific skills, which can be stacked to a diploma or degree. Associate Prof Guan Chong from the Singapore University of Social Sciences Academy, and Assoc Prof May Lim, Assistant Provost in Applied Learning at the Singapore Institute of Technology, shared how standardising the naming of micro-credentials can help adult learners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0XUw8EG_BU

Is Data Analyst a Good Career with AI? - S Akash, Analytics Insight

The role of data analysts has become very critical in today's digital age when most organizations want to leverage the power of data for informed decision-making. Artificial Intelligence integrated into Data Analytics makes changes on a large scale, opening up many challenges and opportunities. It therefore looks at whether a career in the field of data analysis is relevant vis-à-vis AI advancements, featuring the skills required, areas of opportunities, and future prospects.

https://www.analyticsinsight.net/data-analyst/is-data-analyst-a-good-career-with-ai

Levelling the skilling playing field: Democratising skills for a green future - HR World SE Asia

Southeast Asia's green economy is booming, but a skills gap threatens to leave many behind.  Democratising skilling through online platforms, micro-credentials, and targeted programs can unlock the region's green potential and ensure a skilled, inclusive workforce for a sustainable future. The World Bank paints a compelling picture, one billion jobs are expected by 2030.

https://hrsea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/learning-and-development/levelling-the-skilling-playing-field-democratising-skills-for-a-green-future/111457553

Unmasking the Truth: Mathrubhumi Media School’s Online Certificate Course in Fact-Checking - Mathrubhumi Media School

In today's digital age, the battle against misinformation, disinformation and malinformation is more crucial than ever. Recognising this pressing need,  the Mathrubhumi Media School has launched a one-month online certificate course in Fact-Checking and Verification.  The course delves into the critical distinctions between various forms of misleading information. Participants will explore the nuances of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.

https://english.mathrubhumi.com/education/news/online-certificate-course-of-mathrubhumi-media-school-starts-in-fact-checking-and-verification-1.9687979

Level up career potential with SCC's fast track certificates - Scottsdale Community College

Micro-credentials offer a practical solution for those looking to switch careers or climb the professional ladder faster. In today's fast-paced job market, quickly gaining new skills can be the key to career advancement. More than ever, career-driven individuals seek micro-credentials to expand their expertise and stay competitive. Micro-credentials offer a practical solution for those looking to switch careers or climb the professional ladder without committing to years of full-time education. Scottsdale Community College (SCC) stands out in the educational landscape with its Fast Track Certificates. These 31 unique programs are designed to equip students with the skills they need for new job opportunities in just six months.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sponsor-story/scottsdale-community-college/2024/07/01/level-up-career-potential-with-sccs-fast-track-certificates/74231593007/

Internships, online courses define summer session - Anne Krapfl, Iowa State University

Iowa State enrolled 7,375 students in summer session opportunities this year, about 60% of them at the undergraduate level. Just under half (48%) of all summer students are enrolled in online classes only. According to enrollment data collected by the university registrar's office, the summer student body features 4,666 undergraduates, 2,555 graduate students and the 154 members of the fourth-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine class in their 12-month finaleStudents in many degree programs completing not-for-credit internships that are encouraged, though not required. While some students record these high-impact summer experiences through the university's 390 internship course series, hundreds did not.

https://www.inside.iastate.edu/article/2024/07/03/summer

Universities Investing in Microcredential Leadership - Lauren Coffey, Inside Higher Ed

As microcredential programs slowly gain traction, more universities are looking for leaders to coordinate the efforts. More universities are seeking dedicated leaders for microcredential programs. Amy Heitzman noticed a new trend when UPCEA, an online and professional education association, put out calls last year to institutions looking to bulk up microcredential programs. “Five of the 40 [applicants] said, ‘We’re going to hire someone to head this up,’” said Heitzman, UPCEA’s deputy CEO and chief learning officer. “And it was like, ‘Oh?’ But it was not surprising, because it’s essential.” Microcredentials—also known as digital badges, credentials, certificate, or alternative credentials—grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now they are attracting renewed interest as institutions look to widen their nets for nontraditional students as an enrollment cliff looms.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/alternative-credentials/2024/07/03/universities-invest-leaders-microcredential

6 Free Courses With Certificates To Learn High-Income Skills In 2024 - Rachel Wells, Forbes

In a booming labor market where the job vacancies and demand outpace the supply of skilled professionals, your well-rounded skill set is what matters the most—even more than your degree. But out of all the skills needed in the workplace right now, AI skills seem to be the prevailing theme amongst employers. In fact, "73% of employers consider hiring talent with AI skills and experience a priority," says recent findings from an AWS survey that sought to understand the workplace sentiment towards AI skills. "But, nearly three in four (75%) of them say that they can’t find the talent they need," evidencing a significant AI skills gap.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2024/06/30/free-courses-high-income-skills-certificates/

The New Innovator's Dilemma: Fostering Young Talent in the Age of AI - Julia Freeland Fisher, Harvard Advanced Leadership Review

Disruptive innovation theory is a theory of competition between firms. But when it comes to mentoring early talent within firms, the same dynamics shape managers’ tradeoffs. Mentoring is a high-cost endeavor with poor incentives. It’s hard to justify investing in early talent whose added value starts off low and yields unpredictable returns. “This problem is analogous to The Innovator’s Dilemma, in which [companies] fail in spite of seemingly doing everything right,” said Martin Permin, founder of the mentoring platform Pelion. “The return on mentorship typically follows an S-curve, which means gratification is delayed. This means mentoring is often deprioritized by well-meaning, busy people.”

https://www.sir.advancedleadership.harvard.edu/articles/new-innovators-dilemma-fostering-young-talent-age-of-ai