Partnership to Advance Edtech Ecosystem - 1EdTech & Digital Promise, Skills First Future (SHRM)

High-quality digital micro-credentials have the potential to help address many significant challenges facing both formal and informal education, including equity, agency, completion, and creating a better fit to employment opportunities. In March 2024, two global nonprofit organizations — 1EdTech®and Digital Promise — announced a partnership to support each other's work to create a greater impact on teaching and learning, particularly in digital credentials. The partnership is collaborating in the areas of trusted micro-credentials and badging.

https://www.shrm.org/foundation/skills-first-future/resource-library/resource-detail-page.71706__ag

The upskilling imperative: Required at scale for the future of work - McKinzie

Amid overall uncertainty, including about the future that AI will bring, two things are clear. One, jobs and occupations will change as new technologies are used to handle and support more tasks. The transition to AI is already underway, according to the results of the latest McKinsey American Opportunity Survey (AOS) in which roughly 20 percent of employed respondents say that they have used gen AI for work purposes. Two, as work transforms amid the adoption of new technologies, upskilling that enables occupation switching will be even more important than it is today.

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/the-upskilling-imperative-required-at-scale-for-the-future-of-work

For new grads, landing a job may be hard. Navigating the workplace may be harder - Laura Pappano, Hechinger Report

Gen Zers often haven’t had practice at speaking up in large groups, asking for help or responding to authority figures. This generation, typically those born between 1997 and 2012, also has grown up with threats, from Covid to school shootings to the impact of social media, including bullying and self-doubt sown by pop culture pressures. This has led many to prioritize their mental well-being, according to research and experts who work with them.  Surveys repeatedly show that a large percentage of Gen Zers struggle with well-being and want to be able to talk about it at work.

https://hechingerreport.org/for-new-grads-landing-a-job-may-be-hard-navigating-the-workplace-may-be-harder/

New Mason Career Academy gives students and displaced federal workers immediate access to industry certificates and micro-credentials - Paola Duran, George Mason University

George Mason University has launched Mason Career Academy, a new online learning resource that is free for current students, faculty, and staff to develop new skills, and is available to displaced federal workers for a small registration fee. Mason Career Academy offers access to more than 90 online micro-credential courses and industry-recognized certifications in fields, such as data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, and information technology (IT) support. 

https://www.gmu.edu/news/2025-05/new-mason-career-academy-gives-students-and-displaced-federal-workers-immediate-access

New financial literacy training aims to empower new and aspiring business owners - Penobscot Bay Pilot

The Maine Business School and University of Maine Cooperative Extension have joined forces to create Finances in a Flash, an innovative online training designed to enhance financial literacy among Maine’s professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners. This interactive, self-paced course offers a comprehensive overview of essential financial management topics, including budgeting, cash flow analysis, emergency fund planning and understanding key financial statements. In just under two hours, participants can acquire practical skills to make informed financial decisions and strengthen their business acumen.

https://www.penbaypilot.com/index.php/article/new-financial-literacy-training-aims-empower-new-and-aspiring-business-owners/258116

How Microcredentials Can Boost Your Starting Salary By Up To 15% - Caroline Castrillon, Forbes

\In a job market where employers increasingly value specialized skills, microcredentials have emerged as powerful salary boosters. New research reveals that 90% of employers offer higher starting salaries, up to 15% more, for candidates with these targeted certifications. Coursera’s 2025 Microcredentials Impact Report confirms these financial benefits: 28% of entry-level workers with microcredentials received raises, while 21% earned promotions after certification. "Employer demand for skills-based hiring requires educators to prioritize skills-based learning," explains Francesca Lockhart of the University of Texas at Austin, highlighting the growing gap between traditional education and rapidly shifting job qualifications.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2025/05/16/how-micro-credentials-can-boost-your-starting-salary-by-up-to-15-percent/

90% Of Employers Agree They’d Pay People With This One Thing On Their Resume 10-15% More - Alexis Faible, Your Tango

90% of employers agree they'd pay people with micro-credentials on their resumes more.

"Micro-credentials help students, employers, and universities adapt quickly," according to Coursera Enterprise. Employers place a high value on candidates with micro-credentials, as ith Coursera Enterprise reported, "Globally, 96% of employers say micro-credentials strengthen a candidate’s job application. Additionally, 9 in 10 are willing to offer micro-credential holders a higher starting salary." 

https://www.yourtango.com/career/people-one-thing-resume-more-likely-paid-more

Copyright alone cannot protect the future of creative work - Mark MacCarthy, Brookings

AI challenges the future of creative work. Copyright law has a role to play, but the needed policy response must come from elsewhere. According to current guidelines, AI-generated works are not eligible for copyright protection. This has broad implications, especially around how content companies might register their works or disclaim content generated by AI. Transparency measures for how AI is trained have been introduced at the state and federal level, but these might be premature if AI firms succeed in their fair use claims in the courts. 

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/copyright-alone-cannot-protect-the-future-of-creative-work/

Micro-credentialing is revolutionising education – NOUN VC - Owede Agbajileke, Abuja, the Guardian Nigeria

The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Olufemi Peters, has said micro-credentialing is reshaping the landscape of education and professional development. This is even as he called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to take the lead in developing clear definitions, standards, and goals for micro-credentialing in Nigeria. The Vice-Chancellor stated this in Abuja on Tuesday while declaring open a regional consultative meeting for West Africa organised by the Regional Training and Research Institute for Open and Distance Learning (RETRIDOL), National Open University of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning. The Guardian reports that the event, which has as its theme “Commonwealth Credit Transfer Framework: Micro-credentials in a Digital Age”, witnessed participants from Togo, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana.

https://guardian.ng/features/education/micro-credentialing-is-revolutionising-education-noun-vc

Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Apprenticeships - Sara Weissman

President Trump issued an executive order last month instructing federal officials to “reach and surpass” a million new active apprenticeships. It was an ambitious target that apprenticeship advocates celebrated, anticipating new federal investments in more paid on-the-job training programs, in new industries and via a more efficient system. “After years of shuffling Americans through an economically unproductive postsecondary system, President Trump will refocus young Americans on career preparation,” federal officials wrote in a fact sheet on the order. They also emphasized that the federal government spends billions on the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, and Career and Technical Education, but “neither of these programs are structured to promote apprenticeships or have incentives to meet workforce training needs.”

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2025/05/13/trump-sends-mixed-signals-apprenticeship-and-job

New research highlights gaps in financial education for diverse learners - Massey News

The research project, Developing Culturally Sustaining and Equitable Financial Education Resources for Young Diverse Learners, was led by a team from the Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Financial Education and Research Centre (Fin-Ed Centre) and the Institute of Education. It focused on how families with children aged 10 to 15 engage with financial situations in their daily lives. Through surveys and interviews with 87 families, the study sought to understand the values, practices and expectations surrounding financial learning in the home. The study found that most parents talk openly about money with their children, sharing advice on saving, budgeting and spending. However, parents also expressed a strong desire for schools to provide consistent, culturally-aware financial education. Director of the Fin-Ed Centre Dr Pushpa Wood ONZM says families are doing a great job laying the foundation, but financial education should not be left to chance.

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/new-research-highlights-gaps-in-financial-education-for-diverse-learners/

Innovative and flexible education models boost inward investment - Penny Gray, Business Post

“Ireland’s highly skilled and adaptable workforce is well recognised as one of our strongest assets in attracting and retaining foreign direct investment,” said David Corscadden, communications manager for MicroCreds. “In a global economy facing uncertainty and rapid technological change, the ability to respond quickly to evolving skills needs is more important than ever. This is where higher education, and in particular micro-credentials, play a crucial role in ensuring Ireland remains a top destination for international companies to come and prosper. “Micro-credentials are short, flexible, and university accredited learning opportunities designed to build specific, job-relevant skills in learners. Delivered by leading Irish universities and developed in collaboration with enterprise and industry stakeholders, they are a practical tool to address immediate and emerging skills gaps. For FDI companies looking to invest in Ireland, the availability of a workforce that can upskill and reskill quickly is a key advantage.”

https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-reports/innovative-and-flexible-education-models-boost-inward-investment/

Massachusetts Department of Correction Celebrates Virtual Education Team for Innovation during Teacher Appreciation Week- Mass Dept of Correction

Formed in response to advances in digital education, the Virtual Education Team designs and implements original, engaging learning modules aimed at helping incarcerated individuals discover transferable skills and pursue self-improvement. Their work enhances the impact of the DOC’s Orijin tablet-based education, which has been implemented across all DOC facilities. “The work of teachers across Massachusetts has a tremendous impact on our communities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “DOC educators are not only implementing robust programs, but they are also creating opportunities that previously didn’t exist for returning individuals. Today, we celebrate their dedication to learning and growth.” 

https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-department-of-correction-celebrates-virtual-education-team-for-innovation-during-teacher-appreciation-week

George Brown College launches new online certificate programs to help meet the demand for skilled trades in solar energy - Education News Canada

George Brown College, a global leader in distance learning, is expanding its clean technology training with the launch of two new online certificate programs in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. As solar energy is expected to generate 50 per cent of the world's electricity by 2050, these programs will help meet the growing demand for skilled workers in this sector. "With Canada facing a skilled trades gap of more than 85,000 workers by 2033, it's crucial to create accessible pathways into high-demand industries like solar energy," said Colin Simpson, dean of the Centre for Continuous Learning at George Brown College. "Our new Solar Energy Technician and Solar Panel Installer certificate programs provide flexible, self-paced online learning, removing barriers to entry and making it easier for students and working professionals to transition into this growing field. Building on our existing cleantech certificate programs, we saw an opportunity to equip a skilled workforce for Canada's growing solar PV sector and beyond."

https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/colleges/2/1139589/george-brown-college-launches-new-online-certificate-programs-to-help-meet-the-demand-for-skilled-trades-in-solar-energy-.html

Montana State to offer new graduate online certificate program for teaching students with language barriers - Anne Cantrell, MSU

Montana State University is launching a new one-year, online graduate program to help prepare individuals who currently teach or will teach students with limited proficiency in the English language while also reinforcing Indian Education for All pedagogy. The certificate is the only program of its kind in the state, according to Rebecca Turk, director of the MSU Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Education. She said the number of English learners in Montana is growing, so MSU developed the certificate in response to that need.

https://www.montana.edu/news/24547/montana-state-to-offer-new-graduate-online-certificate-program-for-teaching-students-with-language-barriers

Micro-Credentials: Bridging Education and Employment - il Messaggero

In the context of modernizing university systems, micro-credentials are emerging as strategic tools for building flexible, accessible, and certified learning paths. This is a clear direction defined at the European level, which Italy is also following thanks to measures promoted by the Ministry of University and Research as part of Mission 4 'Education and Research' of the PNRR. In this perspective, the initiative of the University of Guglielmo Marconi, Italy's first digital university and among the first to introduce micro-credentials into its educational offerings, confirms once again its role as a reference in academic innovation.

https://www.ilmessaggero.it/AMP/en/micro_credentials_bridging_education_and_employment-8821087.html

98% of Indian employers say micro-credentials make job applications stronger: Report - Millennium Post

Skills-based hiring is accelerating in India, with 99% of Indian employers already adopting or exploring this approach to tackle talent shortages, according to Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025. The report finds that micro-credentials are emerging as an essential tool to facilitate this shift. Nearly all (95%) Indian employers are more likely to hire candidates with a GenAI micro-credential, with 9 in 10 saying these hires demonstrate stronger on-the-job performance – helping businesses reduce onboarding time and boost productivity.

https://www.millenniumpost.in/k-reers/98-of-indian-employers-say-micro-credentials-make-job-applications-stronger-report-609674#google_vignette

Micro-credentials: In search of the best implementation model - Angela Yung Chi Hou, University World News

In the post-pandemic era, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ QA approach should give way to ‘fit-for-purpose’ solutions, and we must gradually move towards a fitness for flexibility approach in response to the need for diversification, relevance and inclusiveness in higher education. Given that MCs have been regarded as a gateway to lifelong learning in Asia, it is imperative that we build a convergence model when it comes to both qualifications frameworks and quality assurance that can support different types of learners’ professional and personal development as well as qualifications recognition.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250506144457906

94% of UK employers say micro-credentials strengthen a candidate’s application - Stuart Gentle, OnRec

The vast majority (94%) of UK employers believe micro-credentials strengthen a candidate's application, according to new research. These focused, often online certifications recognise specific skills or knowledge, and are designed to be completed quickly and stacked toward larger qualifications. Three quarters of UK employers are willing to offer higher starting salaries for micro-credential holders. 69% of UK employers say they’ve saved on training costs for entry-level hires with relevant micro-credentials. 79% of European students believe earning a micro-credential helps them succeed in their job

https://www.onrec.com/news/news-archive/94-of-uk-employers-say-micro-credentials-strengthen-a-candidate%E2%80%99s-application

Want a job at Duolingo? Better know how to use AI - Tech Crunch

Duolingo has announced it’s becoming an AI-first company. In a message shared with staff and later posted online, CEO Luis von Ahn said the shift will change how the business runs, from hiring to content creation. While it’s not about cutting jobs, von Ahn made it clear that new roles will only be added when automation genuinely can’t do the work. Rather than tweaking what’s already in place, Duolingo is rethinking how things are done, with AI built in from the ground up. Contractors will be phased out where AI tools are a better fit, and employees are being encouraged to use AI to work smarter. The idea is to remove the repetitive tasks and give people more space to focus on creative, high-impact work.

https://www.theverge.com/news/657594/duolingo-ai-first-replace-contract-workers

Here is how experiential learning can save colleges from AI - Shannon McKeen, University Business

For centuries, higher education thrived on a simple premise: universities controlled knowledge, faculty acted as gatekeepers, and students paid tuition to access expertise. But artificial intelligence (AI) is dismantling that model at an alarming rate. ChatGPT can analyze Shakespeare, outline marketing strategies, and explain quantum mechanics with competence rivaling many instructors. If knowledge is now universally accessible, what remains of higher education’s value? The answer isn’t competing with AI to deliver information—it’s doing what AI cannot: creating transformative, real-world learning experiences. The institutions that recognize this shift will thrive, while those that don’t will fade into irrelevance.

https://universitybusiness.com/here-is-how-experiential-learning-can-save-colleges-from-ai/

This Boosts Your Chances Of Getting Hired By 96%, New Study Finds - Rachel Wells, Forbes

In 2025, there’s one thing that employers look for on resumes and in job applications more than anything else. This one ingredient has become the new passport to entering into high-paying roles and it opens doors to lucrative career progression opportunities. Wondering what it is? No, it’s not your master’s degree. It’s not even your bachelor’s degree. It’s your microcredentials. This relatively new term has been floated around by various learning providers including Coursera, who just released their 2025 Microcredentials Report today, which revealed that not only are employers willing to pay a premium for microcredential-holders, but also that nine in 10 U.S. employers “agree they’re more likely to hire candidates with GenAI micro-credentials over those without.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2025/04/30/this-boosts-your-chances-of-getting-hired-by-96-new-study-finds/

‘This is what employers need within their organization,’ Coursera exec says after new finding on micro-credentials - Lucy Buchholz, Unleash

Coursera, which generated a total revenue of $179.2 million in 2024, has recently released its Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025. The report unearths the key micro-credentials needed within today’s workplace, while highlighting why these should be a focus for hiring managers. Nikolaz Foucaud, Managing Director EMEA at Coursera, spoke exclusively to UNLEASH to share which micro-credential should be at the top of HR leaders’ radar.

https://www.unleash.ai/artificial-intelligence/this-is-what-employers-need-within-their-organization-coursera-exec-says-after-new-finding-on-micro-credentials/

How micro-credentials could boost your resume - Michell Olson and Ashley Thompson, Keloland

Recently employers have been noticing an increase in the use of micro-credentials and digital badges in potential hiree’s applications. For those who still use a traditional resume, you’re probably asking yourself – what is a micro-credential or a digital badge? Joining us today to explain this new phenomenon was Wendy Alexander. Wendy is an HR professional who sees a handful of these applications almost every day. So whether you’re looking to update your own resume, or build a new one, there’s nobody better to teach you than Wendy.

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-living/how-micro-credentials-could-boost-your-resume/

11 of the best online certificates at M7 b-schools - Daisy Cullerton, Business Because

In today's digital landscape, a wide variety of online certificates and study programs are available, covering diverse fields and career paths within the business world. An online certificate is a great addition to any CV, highlighting a zeal for learning, an enhanced skill set, and a passion for professional growth. Providing the option to learn at your own pace, study from anywhere in the world, and balance work, family, and other commitments—earning an online certification is also a highly convenient way to boost your employability. Even better if your certificate is from one of the world's leading business schools. Join us as we unpack 11 of the best online certificates available at Harvard, Wharton, Stanford and all the other M7 business schools.

https://www.businessbecause.com/news/online-courses/9762/online-certificates-at-m7-bschools

Colleges partnered with an EV battery factory to train students and ignite the economy. Trump’s clean energy war complicates their plans - Kavitha Cardoza, Hechinger Report

The students — recruited for the opportunity by Panasonic — were participants in an eight-week apprenticeship course that involves classes at the community college and on-the-job training. When they’re done, they will be among the first workers at the company’s new electric vehicle battery factory in nearby De Soto, Kansas. The $4 billion manufacturing plant — touted as the largest EV battery factory in the world — is expected to open in early summer and eventually employ roughly 4,000 people. Panasonic also paid for the students’ tuition, as well as the instructor’s salary. Apprenticeship programs like this one have been heralded as the future of workforce development. Born out of partnerships between industry and community colleges, these short-term programs offer credentials closely aligned with employer needs and are often referred to as the pathway to high-skill, high-demand, high-wage jobs.

https://hechingerreport.org/colleges-partnered-with-an-ev-battery-factory-to-train-students-and-ignite-the-economy-trumps-clean-energy-war-complicates-their-plans/

Online continuing education for midwives in China: current trends, barriers, and future directions - Yao Zhang, et al: BMC Medical Education

This study investigated the state of online continuing education for midwives in China via a web-based questionnaire, identified current trends, explored potential barriers, predicted future research directions, and provided insights into improving the effectiveness and quality. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the shift from in-person to long-distance online education, significantly modifying continuing education for midwives. Online continuing education is crucial in improving midwifery skills and has been widely adopted in China.

https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-025-07180-0

Microcredentialing Opens New Doors for Pharmacy Technicians - Liza Chapman, Pharmacy Times

Pharmacy technicians are taking on increasingly complex responsibilities, from managing inventory and handling prior authorizations to providing patient education and supporting pharmacists in clinical tasks. As their roles expand, so does the need for specialized knowledge and skills. Recognized credentials that validate expertise in specific areas are essential for career advancement and professional growth. Microcredentials certify the learning outcomes of short-term educational experiences, such as specialized courses or training programs. They offer a flexible and targeted way for individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for personal and professional growth. These credentials also serve as valuable indicators to employers of their initiative and readiness for new challenges.

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/microcredentialing-opens-new-doors-for-pharmacy-technicians

Building bridges toward career opportunities for millions of Americans - McKinsey

The US labor market is rapidly evolving, driven by the rise of automation and AI, changes in federal spending, and demographic shifts including a swiftly growing aging population. The result is a fundamental shift in workforce priorities with the economy likely to see growth in higher-wage jobs. According to our research, this means that lower-wage workers will need to upskill and transition into new roles, potentially requiring another 12 million workers to change their jobs by 2030. With over 15,000 workforce development team members and 1.7 million people supported annually across the United States and Canada, the Goodwill network is the largest nonprofit provider of job training and career placement services in North America. Against the backdrop of rapidly shifting workforce demands, Goodwill Industries International and the network of 153 local nonprofits it supports realized they were uniquely positioned to help people from all backgrounds build the skills needed to seize new opportunities and navigate these changes.

https://www.mckinsey.com/mckinseys-work-for-social-healthcare-and-public-entities/building-bridges-toward-career-opportunities-for-millions-of-americans

New book on skills training features Southeast College voices - Sasktoday

A new academic volume set for publication in 2025 brings together experts from across Canada and beyond to examine how vocational education can evolve in response to shifting workforce demands. Innovative Approaches to Regional and Vocational Education is led by Dr. Krista LaRue Keeley, editor-in-chief and training and design specialist at Southeast College. The book includes chapters by two additional Southeast College faculty members: Tania Hlohovsky Andrist and Ryan Gustafson.

https://www.sasktoday.ca/southeast/estevan-mercury/new-book-on-skills-training-features-southeast-college-voices-10564853

Progress with regulatory frameworks for micro-credentials - Clemence Manyukwe, World University News

 The adoption of micro-credentials in Southern Africa is fragmented because of limited regulatory guidance, but Mauritius has made significant progress in the conceptualisation of the concept, and some of its universities are collaborating with international institutions to offer credit-bearing courses that can translate into formal qualifications. This is according to a collaborative initiative between Southern African and European higher education institutions and councils exploring the role of micro-credentials to shape education and workforce development in Southern Africa.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250423191300251

Enhancing nursing careers: UC College of Nursing launches micro-credential programs - Evelyn Fleider, University of Cincinnati

Recognizing the evolving needs of healthcare, UC Nursing has introduced two micro-credential programs to enhance professional skills and support career advancement for nurses. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the demand for specialized knowledge in nursing has grown. Micro-credential programs meet this need by providing nurses with manageable, flexible and stackable learning modules that help develop in-demand skills without the commitment of a formal degree or certificate program. These programs allow nurses to enhance their performance and adapt to evolving healthcare standards and clinical practices while earning credits that count towards future certificate or graduate programs.

https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/03/uc-college-of-nursing-launches-micro-credential-programs.html