Micro Credentials Reshaping Learning While Degrees Remain Relevant - Asia News Network

As global education systems evolve to meet rapidly changing workforce demands, micro credentials are gaining traction as a flexible complement to traditional degrees rather than a replacement, according to international policy bodies and education experts. Micro credentials, defined by the European Union as certifications of “learning outcomes of short-term learning experiences,” are designed to provide targeted, skills-based learning in a shorter timeframe. Meanwhile, UNESCO notes that micro credentials typically focus on “a specific set of learning outcomes in a narrow field” and are achieved over a shorter period compared to traditional qualifications such as degrees. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development OECD further highlight their growing role in supporting lifelong learning and employability, particularly as individuals seek to upskill and reskill in response to labour market changes.

https://asianews.network/micro-credentials-reshaping-learning-while-degrees-remain-relevant/

Staying Ahead with AI: My Experience Completing a Micro Credential - Blog Donegal ETB

I decided to enrol in the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (Level 4) micro‑credential with Donegal ETB: to build a strong foundation in AI and ensure that I stay ahead of the curve in my field. AI is transforming industries at a pace we’ve never seen before. As someone responsible for supporting resiliency across a large healthcare organisation, I need to understand the tools and technologies that are becoming integral to decision‑making, risk management, and operational continuity. I wanted to understand what’s behind the systems, how they work, and what they mean for the future of my profession. This micro‑credential felt like the right first step. One of the biggest benefits was gaining a solid grounding in what AI is and the real concepts and systems behind it. Understanding AI’s origins and fundamentals has given me a stronger lens through which to view the changes happening across our sector. I’m already applying that insight in my day‑to‑day work, especially when considering the risks, opportunities, and implications of new technologies.

https://donegaletb.ie/blog/2026/05/05/staying-ahead-with-ai-my-experience-completing-a-micro-credential/

Upskilling training programs to address labour shortfalls in Western Canada - Peter Caulfield, Journal of Commerce

A recent report by the Canada West Foundation (CWF) says construction workers need training in specialized (often technical) competencies, to enable them to move between sectors of the industry. According to the CWF report, residential and ICI projects have different labour requirements. Most ICI projects are more complex than residential. They’re costlier, larger, take longer to build and have more stringent regulatory requirements. Most residential construction worker teams are smaller and more versatile, while ICI projects consist of larger teams with more specialized roles and skill sets.

https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/labour/2026/04/upskilling-training-programs-to-address-labour-shortfalls-in-western-canada

JAG-K to introduce micro-credentialing program next year - Christina Janney, Hays Post

The Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program will be extending its program next school year to include a micro-credentialing program. JAG-K is a nonprofit that partners with schools to provide an elective course to support students at risk of not graduating. Bryan Zollinger, JAG-K career specialist, said the students will be able to take pass-or-fail, self-paced courses and receive credentials on programs, such as PowerPoint, through the new credentialing program.The micro-credentials could add up to larger certifications.

https://hayspost.com/posts/dc24be8f-60d0-4fb8-9d32-f92c6c1b4bdd

Sri Lanka to develop National Policy on Micro-Credentials with Commonwealth of Learning - Newswire

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to formulate a National Policy and Framework on Micro-Credentials in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning, aimed at strengthening higher education and technical and vocational training systems in Sri Lanka. According to the government, Micro-credentials are internationally recognized as an effective mechanism for promoting lifelong learning, enhancing workforce skills, and improving employability in response to rapid technological changes and evolving labour market demands. Recognizing this, the government has identified the need to establish a national framework to ensure international comparability and recognition of Sri Lankan qualifications.

https://www.newswire.lk/2026/04/28/sri-lanka-to-develop-national-policy-on-micro-credentials-with-commonwealth-of-learning/

Credit by portfolio and exam helps students save time and money - Sean Yoder, Penn State

Credit for prior learning opportunities are continuously expanding at Penn State, giving students who bring experience and skills from outside academia a way to earn course credits. Over the last year, students used credit by portfolio and exam for 152 courses, allowing them to obtain credit through previous workforce knowledge or learning, according to the Office for Prior Learning Assessment. While students must still pay a fee, it’s significantly less expensive than the full amount of tuition for a course and can help students graduate on time. Cayla Misner, who earned a degree in health policy and administration in the fall 2025 semester, was able to use credit by portfolio for the required internship course HPA 395. Misner was a first-generation college student, self-supported, who was working full time in the health care field while earning her degree. Taking reduced hours or reduced pay would have been a tough option, she said, while she completed a separate 320-hour internship.

https://www.psu.edu/news/students/story/credit-portfolio-and-exam-helps-students-save-time-and-money

White paper released on Credit for Prior Learning as a catalyst for internal mobility and retention - University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix announced the publication of a new white paper, "Untapped Potential: How Credit for Prior Learning Can Redefine Employer Outlook on Professional Development," by Devin Andrews, MBA, M.Ed., Vice President of Admissions and Evaluation. The report draws on a national University of Phoenix employee engagement and retention survey of 610 human resources (HR) managers and 1,195 employees conducted by The Harris Poll that examined how credit for prior learning (CPL) impacts internal mobility, employee retention and skills development. The analysis finds 98% of HR managers are aware of CPL—and that 92% agree that degrees or certificates that allow "credit for prior learning" are just as credible as similar degrees or certificates that do not.

https://phys.org/news/2026-01-white-paper-credit-prior-catalyst.html

From training to education: College credit for youth workers - Jen Curry, Youth Today

In a given year, a youth worker might complete state-mandated training, earn a social-emotional learning certification and log over 500 hours working directly with youth. They likely have a stack of certificates of completion, and maybe even an ‘Employee of the Month’ award. Yet, when they apply to college, none of their experience counts. This disconnect reveals a glaring flaw in our systems: While youth work requires specific knowledge and develops essential skills, higher education controls the portable credentials

that lead to future jobs. And the two systems are (usually) disconnected. In the out-of-school time (OST) and youth development sectors, this gap is an equity issue. The OST workforce has historically been composed of entry-level and minimum-wage jobs filled predominantly by women and people of color, and by young adults just starting their careers (see: NY and CA examples).

https://youthtoday.org/2026/04/training-education-college-credit-youth-workers/

California wants colleges to count work experience for credit. How’s it going? Adam Echelman, Cal Matters

Laylah Rivers had already been a paratrooper in the U.S. Army and worked at various tech companies across the West Coast. But when she enrolled at a Los Angeles community college at 31, she was just another freshman — alongside students nearly half her age. Luckily, West Los Angeles College has a program that acknowledges students’ prior work experience. The college gave her seven credits, the equivalent of about two classes, after she provided a copy of her military transcript and evidence of computer courses she took while working at Amazon. “Of course, with 13 years of experience, I should get more credit for what I’m doing,” she said. “But I’m grateful.” 

https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/02/college-credit-california/

Expanding credit for prior learning - Tabitha Whissemore, Community College Daily

Turning prior learning, work experience, military service and other credentials into college credit can save students time and money. Despite that benefit, it’s been underutilized. Only about 11% of adult learners, for example, have benefited from prior learning assessment (PLA) – also referred to as credit for prior learning (CPL) – according to a 2020 report from the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. There are a lot of different reasons for that, says Beth Doyle, CAEL’s chief of higher education strategy and impact: It’s not talked about or promoted broadly at the college level, and processes may be burdensome for students – and for colleges.

https://www.ccdaily.com/2026/03/expanding-credit-for-prior-learning/

Oklahoma House passes bill to designate ‘Credentials of Value’ in higher education - Zachary Allison and Cole Brumbelow, KSWO

Legislation seeking to reform how higher education interacts with workforce demand has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 2398 would establish a statewide framework allowing the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to designate specific degrees, certificates, licenses and other credentials as “Credentials of Value.” Programs seeking the designation would be required to annually demonstrate strong outcomes for students alongside state and regional workforce needs.

https://www.kswo.com/2026/03/12/oklahoma-house-passes-bill-designate-credentials-value-higher-education/

$5bn Projection: American Varsity To Train, Certify African Talents In AI - Taiwo Hassan, New Telegraph

A leading African game development Maliyo Games studio has announced a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), to advance game development education and up skill African talent through artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum. In particular, the duo partnership is set to expand over the next few years, aiming to train and certify 10,000 learners across Africa in both AI and game development. Some representatives from Arizona State University, United States, who visited Maliyo Games in Lagos, Nigeria, where they engaged with trainers and learners, explored expansion opportunities, and gained deeper insight into the local African gaming ecosystem.

https://newtelegraphng.com/5bn-projection-american-varsity-to-train-certify-african-talents-in-ai/

Provost's office funds 24 transformative initiatives - Rob Schweers, Iowa State University

The office of the senior vice president and provost has announced $2.4 million in funding across two years for 24 transformative initiatives to support new academic programs, student success and career readiness, and build additional capacity in artificial intelligence (AI). Senior vice president and provost Jason Keith announced the one-time funding initiative in December, and proposals were due in early February. "We were very impressed with both the quality and innovation of the proposals, as well as their connection to Iowa State's strategic plan," Keith said. "At their core, the projects create new opportunities for students, faculty, staff and Iowans; support future enrollment growth; and help navigate changing environments for research funding and community engagement, all while supporting the university's land-grant mission." Proposals were reviewed and ranked by unit leaders (deans, directors, vice presidents) and forwarded to the provost's office for final consideration. Projects with common themes, such as AI, micro-credentials and custom education, will coordinate efforts and meet regularly to share progress and challenges, and help ensure their work can be applied broadly across the university.

https://www.inside.iastate.edu/article/2026/04/15/provosts-office-funds-24-transformative-initiatives

iPeople sees micro-credentials as a solution for PHL’s skills gap - Business World

Education firm iPeople, Inc., said micro-credentials can help bridge the skills gap in the Philippines and position Filipinos at the forefront of emerging roles and talent globally. “Across our network, we’re transforming how education works from traditional four-year degrees to lifelong, stackable learning experiences,” iPeople, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rey Vea said in a news release. “Micro-credentials form a new learning culture that empowers Filipino students to take control of their future careers,” she added. “Building skills and credentials they can take with them anywhere they go.

bworldonline.com/labor-and-management/2026/04/16/743476/ipeople-sees-micro-credentials-as-a-solution-for-phls-skills-gap/

Program seeks to get Chicago Public Schools students into aviation - Dylan Olsen - CBS Chicago

Atlantic Aviation and Barrington Irving Technical Training School have launched a workforce incentive with CPS. The program will be for Morgan Park High School students to learn about different careers within the aviation industry. "Whether it's building airplanes, constructing race cars, earning micro-credentials, or preparing for a career in aviation, there's so much to explore, and even more to achieve," Barrington Irving, the founder of the technical training school that bears his name, said in a promotional video from Atlantic Aviation.

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/program-chicago-public-schools-aviation/

New 'AU Ready' program at American University readies students for the workforce and pays for internships - WUSA9

Undergraduate students will have access to $4,500 towards an internship or research opportunity beginning sophomore year.Today’s job market is uncertain and for a college student getting ready to enter the workforce, that can be stressful. At American University, a brand-new program called "AU Ready" aims to give students the skills, and finances they need to land their first job. “You need the academics, plus the network, plus the experience and this allows us to fold all three together in a really organized and meaningful way," said Liz Romig, the Interim Assistant Vice Provost at American University's Career Center. Over 85% of American University students have at least one internship. and some of those don’t pay. AU Ready hopes to ease that burden, making $4,500 available to every undergraduate student for an internship or research opportunity.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/education/au-ready-program-internships-american-university/65-09b9421c-37e6-4fdb-bb09-5f74c8be7dce

Central Illinois union painter shares the value of apprenticeships in a statewide professional development program - Addy Carnahan, Lauren Warnecke, WGLT NPRIllinois

Jalissa Jones, also from ISU's Center for Specialized Professional Support, said people tend to think of apprenticeships being exclusively related to trades, but that's not always the case. “Another really vital part of this program is the idea of changing people's minds about what apprenticeships and what apprentices look like,” she said. “It can be in medical field. It could be in cybersecurity or insurance. There's a lot of insurance apprenticeships, which is not something I knew before I started working at this job.…I think that is the forward face of apprenticeship.”

https://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2026-04-09/central-illinois-union-painter-shares-the-value-of-apprenticeships-in-a-statewide-professional-development-program

Registration open for Introduction to Data Analytics online certificate course - Newport-News Center

Data analytics skills are in high demand across a wide range of careers and industries. Register now for Virginia Tech’s Introduction to Data Analytics certificate course and build skills that can help power your career forward. The six-week course begins Tuesday, July 28, and will meet online each Tuesday from 2–4 p.m. Pamplin College of Business faculty members Barbara Fraticelli, Reza Barkhi, and Jacob Shortt will lead course modules designed to help participants:

Establish a foundation: Learn the history, core terms, and key concepts that provide a strong understanding of data analytics and why it matters.

Develop skills: Build in-demand skills and gain hainds-on experience you can apply in the workplace.

Apply knowledge: Use case studies and industry-specific examples to explore how data analytics can support marketing, increase revenue opportunities, improve efficiency, and create other competitive advantages. 

Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion from Virginia Tech, along with continuing education units (CEUs) based on total contact hours.

https://news.vt.edu/notices/2026/04/newport-news-center-data-analytics.html

CBS 2 Chicago reports: Cook County Jail teams with Olive-Harvey College to offer forklift certification program for inmates - City Colleges of Chicago

Inmates operating heavy machinery may sound counterintuitive, but at the Cook County Jail, it’s a major opportunity for women behind bars. They are getting the chance to learn a trade to help them find a job when they get out. At the Cook County Jail, on the other side of the barbed wire, you’ll find something unexpected is going on. In the freezing temps, chains dangle from a guard watching 10 incarcerated women, all layered under their heavy-duty orange jumpsuits.

https://colleges.ccc.edu/2026/01/26/cbs-2-chicago-reports-cook-county-jail-teams-with-olive-harvey-college-to-offer-forklift-certification-program-for-inmates/

Students are increasingly choosing community college or certificates over four-year degrees - Jessica Dickler, CNBC

More high school graduates are opting for a two-year degree or even shorter-term credentials. 

This year, enrollment gains in undergraduate certificate and associate degree programs outpaced bachelor degrees, according to a new report.

Also boosting the appeal: New workforce Pell Grants aimed at helping students pay for short-term job training programs.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/15/four-year-college-loses-ground-community-college-gains-steam.html

Schedule of this blog changed to Monday to Friday - No weekend posts

 Look for the next posting on Monday.  Thanks!