Best Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University Announce New Microcredentials Designed for Students Seeking a Career in Animal Services - SUU

Best Friends Animal Society is pleased to offer three new animal services courses through their academic partner, Southern Utah University (SUU). The online courses are designed for busy adults and result in digital microcredentials that, when stacked together, complete the Contemporary Animal Services Foundations Certificate. The new courses take seven weeks to complete and include Studies in Contemporary Animal Services, Dog Lifesaving, and Cat Lifesaving.

https://www.suu.edu/news/2023/08/best-friends-animal-society-microcredentials.html

UMF offers new online certificate to help individuals provide job services for their clients - BCN Community

This fall, the University of Maine at Farmington is offering a new online Employment Specialist Certificate for individuals who work closely with people with disabilities and other limiting conditions to help them secure meaningful jobs. An employment specialist works with clients in a variety of settings to help them obtain and maintain employment consistent with their career goals. For example, one day they may be meeting with potential employers to develop job opportunities for their clients and the next day they may be working to help an individual client learn how to do a retail job.

https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/08/21/bdn-maine/umf-offers-new-online-certificate-to-help-individuals-provide-job-services-for-their-clients/

SUNY Chancellor King Announces Registration is Open for Direct Support Microcredentials - SUNY

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. today announced the start of the direct support microcredential program approved earlier this year to provide training that leads to national certification in the field of developmental disabilities. The program was developed in partnership with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to recognize the distinct skills and competencies required of today's direct support professionals.

https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/8-23/8-1-23/

Microcredentials document earned results, employability - Miami Herald

Creativity, resilience, learning ability and effective communication are some of the most sought-after skills in new job candidates. Microcredentials and their growing use in higher education are emerging as a trend that helps students quickly and securely position themselves in the new world of work. These short programs are designed to develop skills, knowledge and experience in demand, which students need to ensure their success.

https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article278378504.html

Micro-Credentials Could Begin To Resolve the Nursing Shortage in as Little as One Month - Therese A. Scanlan, Med City News

But the aging population and changing healthcare delivery models continue to drive demand for nurses higher. There is a creative way to address these problems:

Create new apprenticeship-style programs for nursing assistants and medical assistants with an education partner.

Recruit a new type of healthcare employee – often a person who is seeking to change careers to a more dynamic and higher paying field.

Invest in that new type of employee from day one, supporting them in their acquisition of micro-credentials that lead to higher nursing certifications and compensation.

https://medcitynews.com/2023/08/micro-credentials-could-begin-to-resolve-the-nursing-shortage-in-as-little-as-one-month/

Meet Colorado’s only water sommelier - Amanda Loudin, RED MSU Denver

You’re probably familiar with the tasks of a wine sommelier — a trained professional specializing in the nuances of wine and how to perfectly pair it with different types of food. But did you know there are also sommeliers focused on mustard, cheese, beer and even water? Anistacia Barrak-Barber is one of these, and she’s on a mission to educate and inform the public about all things water. Barrak-Barber would also like to educate people on the upbeat aspects of water through her sommelier certification. “Water has many nuances and flavors brought about from its mineral content and sources,” she explained. “Some flavor profiles can make or break a meal. If you’re eating sushi with a water that has high mineral content, for example, the water will drown out the flavors of the fish.” Currently, water sommeliers are in demand mostly in Europe and other spots around the globe. Slowly, however, they’re making their way into high-end U.S. restaurants as well, and Barrak-Barber is perfectly positioned to take advantage of that.

https://red.msudenver.edu/2023/meet-colorados-only-water-sommelier/

Association of College and University Educators Microcredential Programs: University of Arkansas -

To further enhance their teaching, faculty can earn microcredentials and certification from the Association of College and University Educators. The association provides the only nationally recognized teaching credential program in higher education and is endorsed by the American Council on Education. Faculty can enroll in ACUE courses through a partnership with the University of Arkansas or individually online. During the 2023 spring semester, the University of Arkansas offered microcredentials through ACUE programs across the following competency areas: Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners, Promoting Active Learning in Online Courses, and Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment. For more information on ACUE microcredentials, visit acue.org.

https://news.uark.edu/articles/64827/university-of-arkansas-provides-valuable-resources-for-faculty

Companies increasingly dropping degree requirement from job adverts, data reveals - Grace Lewis, People Management

There was a 90 per cent increase in the share of UK job postings not requiring a degree between 2021 and 2022, new data has shown, as employers look to overhaul their recruitment processes to plug skills and diversity gaps. The research from LinkedIn indicated that in an effort to remove “unnecessary barriers to jobs”, businesses are turning to skills-based hiring. Globally, recruiters are five times more likely to search by skills over degrees, according to the research. Previous People Management reporting indicated a move to a “skills-based approach” to help find future talent, as “traditional resourcing isn’t fit for purpose”, according to one commentator. 

https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1833614/companies-increasingly-dropping-degree-requirement-job-adverts-data-reveals

New microcredentials to strengthen the talent pipeline for Canada’s biomanufacturing industry - Tyler Irving, University of Toronto

U of T Engineering has partnered with CCRM, BioZone and the School of Continuing Studies on a new set of microcredentials that will help workers across Canada’s biomanufacturing industry to upgrade or strengthen their skills. Biomanufacturing refers to the industrial-scale production of many different products, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, emerging products such as cell and gene therapies and even commodity chemicals and fuels. BioTalent Canada has estimated that by 2029, Canada may require as many as 65,000 additional workers in this sector. 

https://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/new-microcredentials-to-strengthen-the-talent-pipeline-for-canadas-biomanufacturing-industry/

UPCEA Receives Grant from Walmart to Accelerate Growth of Credential Innovation in Higher Education - UPCEA

UPCEA, the online and professional education association, is honored to receive a $395,000 grant from Walmart to accelerate work in the alternative credentials space with a project titled, “Building Capacity, Expanding Pathways: Accelerating the Growth of Credential Innovation in Higher Education.” Through the grant project, UPCEA will facilitate the adoption of scalable business and program models for colleges and universities, based on market research tied to employer needs. The project will utilize a peer learning community to support the development and delivery of noncredit, short-term credentials.

https://upcea.edu/upcea-receives-grant-from-walmart-to-accelerate-growth-of-credential-innovation-in-higher-education/

Growing and Verifying Skills - Clarkson University

The tools employees need to thrive in the workplace regularly evolve in response to new technologies, capabilities and expectations. Micro-credentials from Clarkson help employees to upskill and reskill in areas such as engineering, data science, entrepreneurship and leadership. A recent poll shows 95 percent of employers support micro-credentials — but they want to know that they come from a reliable source. Clarkson's expert-designed assessments mean employees acquire updated skills, knowledge and experience from a source employers can trust.

https://www.clarkson.edu/academics/professional/microcredentials

How to Use Micro-Credentials to Fill Resume Gaps (and Get a Job) - Electra Nanou, Make Use Of

Are you struggling to land your dream job due to gaps in your resume? Here's how micro-credentials can fill those gaps and boost your career.  University degrees are great for your career, but they take time and money that you may not want to spend more than once on. If you want to fill in the gaps in your resume, consider micro-credentials—fast, cheap, and effective training. Here’s everything you need to know about micro-credentials, from what they are and how they work to where they go on your resume. Keep an eye out for opportunities to get new skills and improve your career prospects.

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-use-micro-credentials/

$70,000 funding to fill skills gaps in nuclear science through new microcredential course - Charles Sturt University (AU)

Starting in late 2023, Charles Sturt University will offer a new microcredential course in nuclear science for current or recent high school graduates, as well as those looking to develop their understanding of nuclear safety. Charles Sturt University has received federal government funding to develop and offer a new, free microcredential course for high school leavers from late 2023. The ‘micro’ course is the equivalent of two first-year university subjects, and if completed successfully, students gain credit for two first-year physics subjects. There is a workforce shortage across nuclear medicine in Australia and globally.

https://news.csu.edu.au/latest-news/$70,000-funding-to-fill-skills-gaps-in-nuclear-science-through-new-microcredential-course

UT System and Coursera launch the most comprehensive industry-recognized microcredential program in the country - UT System

The University of Texas (UT) System and Coursera today launched an expanded industry microcredential program with a goal of preparing every interested student at UT academic campuses – as well as faculty, staff and alumni – for the state’s workforce demands at no extra cost to them. As part of the UT System’s Texas Credentials for the Future initiative, over 240,000 learners across nine UT campuses now have access to the Career Academy on Coursera, which includes more than 35 entry-level Professional Certificates from leading companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft and Salesforce. The expanded partnership represents the most extensive industry-recognized microcredential program from a U.S. university system.

https://www.utsystem.edu/news/2023/08/02/ut-system-and-coursera-launch-most-comprehensive-industry-recognized-microcredential-program-country

What Are Microcredentials? A Complete Guide - Kayla Missman, Forbes Advisor

Microcredentials have exploded in popularity over the last several years, with thousands of options for professional development available online. But what are microcredentials, and can they really change your career? While the end result depends on your personal goals, earning a microcredential can be a powerful step toward increasing your income or moving into a new field. These focused courses verify your mastery of a specialized skill or topic. And due to the programs’ short format, microcredential instructors can frequently update their material to reflect developments in technology or regulations, helping learners adapt to recent and ongoing changes in their fields. Keep reading to learn more about how to earn a microcredential and what it can do for your career.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/microcredentials/

How micro-credentialing helps fill Oklahoma’s workforce needs - Jeff Elkins, Journal-Record

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are fulfilling workforce needs through short series of courses designed to help individuals acquire in-demand skills. Micro-credentials align with the state’s critical occupations, such as agriculture, teacher education, health and cybersecurity. OSHRE partnered with businesses and public colleges and universities to create micro-credentials in occupations where these needs exist.

https://journalrecord.com/2023/08/11/how-micro-credentialing-helps-fill-oklahomas-workforce-needs/

The Future of Online Graduate Education: Trends and Innovations to Keep an Eye On - Los Cerritos News

Micro-credentials are typically short, focused courses that validate specific skills or competencies. Although they are not similar to graduate degree programs, some institutions offer “stackable” micro-credentials, which means that learners can earn multiple micro-credentials and combine them to eventually work towards earning a full graduate degree. This approach allows students to accumulate credits over time and tailor their education to meet specific career goals while gradually working towards the completion of a higher-level degree.

https://www.loscerritosnews.net/2023/08/12/the-future-of-online-graduate-education-trends-and-innovations-to-keep-an-eye-on/

IIT Madras to offer new online certificate programme for practising engineers - Careers 360

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is offering an online certificate programme in ‘Additive Manufacturing Technologies for Practising Engineers’. The new certificate programme will be offered through its Center for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE). Candidates with a bachelor's degree in engineering or applied sciences or basic sciences with at least three years of working experience are eligible to apply. 

https://news.careers360.com/iit-madras-offer-online-certificate-programme-in-additive-manufacturing-technologies-for-practising-engineers

Program Launch: One-Stop for Internships, Co-Ops - Ashley Mowreader, Inside Higher Ed

To break down silos and increase access to work-based learning, Old Dominion University established a new department focused on internships for all students on campus. Many higher ed professionals are focused on adding internship opportunities and increasing participation. Leaders at Old Dominion University, for example, aim to better connect students with relevant work experience and break down barriers to access through the Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office, centralizing experiential learning opportunities across campus for all learners.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/life-after-college/2023/08/07/campus-work-based-learning-office-helps-students

Micro-Credential Market to See Huge Growth by 2028 : Udemy, Microsoft, FutureLearn, Coursera - SB Wire

Micro-credentials may be the next big thing in employment upskilling, and institutions, non-profits, and corporations are already using them. Because anyone can offer a micro-credential and there are no official constraints, the standards for each credential differ widely. These credentials can be obtained by completing a series of online exams, writing an essay, or putting together a presentation. Micro-credentials are often shorter than other credential options such as college degrees or certificate programs, however, this is not always the case because the requirements are defined by the credential-granting school. This means that the source of your micro-credential is important, as not all micro-credentials are created equal,

https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/releasewire/micro-credential-market-to-see-huge-growth-by-2028-udemy-microsoft-futurelearn-coursera

What are micro-credentials and can they help you get a job? - Aoibhinn Mc Bride, Tech.eu

We're having a look at the value of micro-credentials for job seekers and how flexible online courses can enhance your CV and ensure career relevance in a dynamic job market. While further study will usually sit in the education section of your resume or application, micro-credentials relate to online courses or achievements that aren’t necessarily connected to the job you’re applying for, but which give hiring managers a better idea of the bigger picture. 

https://tech.eu/2023/08/04/what-are-micro-credentials-and-can-they-help-you-get-a-job/

Report Finds Microcredentials Poorly Understood or Utilized by American Workers But Critical for Professional Development - Kate Lucariello, Campus Technology

A new research report, "Enabling Learning for Life: New Realities for Work and Education," by global technology company D2L, suggests that while American workers are interested in upskilling in their careers, they have little understanding of the value of microcredentials and how to go about obtaining them. The study draws on reports published over the last five years, the company said. It particularly asks questions about how higher education can play a significant role in helping workers upskill to meet the demands of the "paradigm shift" toward emerging jobs based heavily on new technology, including AI.

https://campustechnology.com/articles/2023/07/24/report-finds-microcredentials-poorly-understood-or-utilized-by-american-workers.aspx

From Novelty to Necessity: Strategic Microcredential Development and Universal Recognition in Higher - Ed Erica Noll-Crawford, Evolllution

So, higher ed really has to step up its game if it wants to keep up. That said, microcredentials must be intentional. Higher ed often wants to create cool, new degrees that might sound fun, but don’t have a true job market for. They also might turn to Microcredentials to do the same thing—building a program out for fun or personal interest rather than for Workforce Development. However, we’ve found that it’s better when creating microcredentials is an intentional process. At Miami University Regionals, we don’t approve new microcredentials unless a business or industry signs off on it. We want students to have job opportunities with these credentials, so we must have strategy and meaning behind what we create or offer.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/from-novelty-to-necessity-strategic-microcredential-development-and-universal-recognition-in-higher-ed/

Navigating Microcredentials and VFR - Paul Walsh, Evolllution

Higher education does not have one mandated logbook for determining how to get where you are going with microcredentials. Even our accreditors (FAA?) don’t offer much on microcredentials beyond warning of breaching the golden rule of the credit hour. A search for microcredentials on the MSCHE website resulted in zero hits. The EvoLLLution, to its credit, has featured microcredentials over 205 times since the term was coined nearly a decade ago. I’d be preaching to the choir if I repeated everything that has already been written on the benefits of or lessons learned in microcredentialing projects. Allow me to hit some highlights and offer a few visual flight rules regardless of whether you’re sitting at the airport plotting your course and waiting for clear skies or already aloft.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/navigating-microcredentials-and-vfr/

Define, Refine and Design: A Collaborative Approach for Introducing Microcredentials to Your Learning Ecosystem - Jeremy Lingle, Katie Linder, Jason Drysdale, Evollution

Recently at CU Denver, we have focused on shoring up the infrastructure for our microcredential offerings. One core element of this initiative: internal working groups comprised of faculty and staff from a range of campus teams. Our engagement with external partners has also led to some important discoveries as we explore how to respond to learner and market needs nimbly and proactively. Through this collaborative work, we have identified several obstacles and opportunities for introducing microcredentials as a key campus strategy: (1) developing a shared understanding of microcredentials, (2) identifying and prioritizing solutions for process inefficiencies, (3) clarifying resources for determining market need and (4) creating supports for program developers.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/define-refine-and-design-a-collaborative-approach-for-introducing-microcredentials-to-your-learning-ecosystem/

Strategic and Operational Roadblocks to Broad Acceptance of Microcredentials - Mike Jackson and Michelle Alvarez, Evolllution

There is still no agreement among higher education institutions and other entities developing microcredentials as to what constitutes a microcredential, with definitions varying by institution or entity. There are efforts to develop a shared taxonomy, but that effort has not yet been broadly embraced. Institutions launching microcredentials have had to develop their own vision and framework for utilizing microcredentials on their campus, author their own taxonomy, develop a review or governance process, identify the badging platform they will use and develop a process for awarding the badges.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/strategic-and-operational-roadblocks-to-broad-acceptance-of-microcredentials/

The On-Ramp to Scaling Microcredentials: Advice from the Acceleration - Lane Arthur Thomas, Evolllution

Depending where your institution seems to be along the continuum—from offering just a few microcredentials to offering many—there are some things to keep in mind if you want to achieve large scale with these types of offerings. Every institution is different, but there are some common principles that can determine how this sort of transformation will evolve. So, as you turn onto the entrance ramp, destined for a significant offering of microcredentials at scale, let’s review a few approaches that can help you pick up speed.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/the-on-ramp-to-scaling-microcredentials-advice-from-the-acceleration-lane/

Process Keys to Microcredential Success - Daria LaTorre, Evolllution

As demand for microcredentials continues to grow, it’s critical that institutions focus on fulfilling the mission at the heart of microcredentials—flexible, affordable and relevant short-term education—through collaboration and student centricity.

Institutions may encounter both strategic and operational roadblocks when developing microcredential programs. With so much variety in content and format, it can be a challenge to strategize and launch a plan for a microcredentialing initiative. However, with some thoughtful planning that keeps efficiency at its core, institutions can effectively develop microcredentials to best serve their student learners.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/process-keys-to-microcredential-success/

Upskilling: Why It’s Important and How Higher Education Can Help - Cecilia Buchanan, Fierce Education

Key findings of the report include: Continuous upskilling is not the norm—yet: 80% of U.S. adults expressed some interest in pursuing additional skills training in the next year but only 35% had pursued some form of professional development/upskilling. There is no clear preference for training providers: 15% of U.S. adults said they are not sure where to go if they need to build additional professional or technical skills that are job- or industry-specific. Micro-credentials may hold promise, but they’re not yet widely understood by individuals: 30% of U.S. adults didn’t know how to describe what a micro-credential is in response to an open-ended question.

https://www.fierceeducation.com/student-engagement/upskilling-why-its-important-and-how-institutions-can-help

Micro-Credentials and Digital Badging to Become Staple in HR Field, Says Test Preparation Expert HRCP - Yahoo Finance

The global market for online degrees and micro-credentials is expected to reach $117 billion by 2025, as people become more adapted to e-learning settings. According to HRCP, a leading provider of human resource study materials, micro-credentials allow people to learn knowledge or skills in bite-sized chunks and pass an evaluation to earn a credential for a very specific skill or area. These credentials stack, allowing people to earn a digital badge once they've finished a certain set of micro-credentials. Digital badges can be displayed on the person's resume, email signature, or social media as proof of their achievement.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/micro-credentials-digital-badging-become-143019157.html

Thinking about a microcredential course? 4 things to consider first - Simon Leonard, the Conversation

Preparing people for professional environments has always been a core purpose of universities, and the adoption of microcredentials will likely expand the ways this can be done. A microcredential, however, is a different educational proposition to a traditional degree course. So it is important the consumer chooses wisely. But even though they are different, the two are still compatible. You may even find yourself engaging in both traditional university courses and microcredentials as you evolve and adapt throughout your career.

https://theconversation.com/thinking-about-a-microcredential-course-4-things-to-consider-first-207619