McKee proposes a new program to help adults earn higher education credentials, here's how - Linda Borg, The Providence Journal

Rhode Island has a college attainment problem: only 53% of adults have some higher-education experience.  In Central Falls, just over one-third of residents have a high-school diploma, and only 13% have an associate’s degree or higher.  That’s why Gov. Dan McKee is pushing for a program to give adults a boost toward enrolling in college, completing college or earning technical training. The goal? To offer higher-paying jobs, especially those in fast-growing fields in Rhode Island.  The Higher Education Academy was the brainchild of Shannon Gilkey, the state’s new Commissioner of Post-Secondary Education. 

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/education/2022/01/18/ri-gov-mckee-proposes-program-to-help-adults-earn-college-credentials/6567632001/

Saved! Community rallies to rescue City College’s Cantonese classes - James Salazar, SanFrancisco Examiner

The college’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously last week to approve Trustee Alan Wong’s proposal to save the classes and set City College on a path to create a Cantonese certificate, as well as a Cantonese language program transferable to the University of California system. The proposal also requires the college to disaggregate and track Chinese language data in more detailed categories, such as Cantonese and Mandarin. The measure is fiscally neutral and will not generate new costs for the college.

https://www.sfexaminer.com/fixes/saved-community-rallies-to-rescue-city-colleges-cantonese-classes/

St. Mary’s launches Digital Communications and Educational Leadership graduate certificates - St. Mary's University

St. Mary’s University has launched two new graduate certificate programs: a certificate in Digital Communications, which begins this semester, and a graduate certificate in Education Leadership enrolling for Summer 2022.  Graduate certificate courses are for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. 

https://www.stmarytx.edu/2022/new-certificates-2022/

NC colleges, universities gear up training programs to meet biomanufacturing jobs demand - WRAL

North Carolina has one of the largest biopharma manufacturing industries in the nation, and its footprint is growing. To fill this growing need, businesses and community colleges across North Carolina have formed public/private partnerships and launched programs to create a talent pipeline for biomanufacturers. As a result, high school and college students and adults seeking a career change can gain the training and earn the certifications they need to enter the biomanufacturing workforce. For Deborah Carr, the BioWork Certificate allowed her to find positions that fit her personal values.

https://wraltechwire.com/2022/01/05/nc-colleges-universities-gear-up-training-programs-to-meet-biomanufacturing-jobs-demand/

Applying science to the question of how best to support working adults without college degrees - Johnathan Rabinovitz, Stanford

 In recent years, growing numbers of government agencies, nonprofits, for-profit companies, philanthropies and education institutions have developed programs to support working learners, spurred by the recognition that many adults without college degrees struggle with the impact of new technologies on work and the accompanying shifts in employment qualifications. But there is not yet a reliable way to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs, or even of determining whether they address the most critical challenges working learners face. The new report suggests that a major research initiative can determine how best to build an education system for working learners and how to invest public and private resources most effectively.

https://news.stanford.edu/2022/01/19/applying-science-question-best-support-working-adults-without-college-degrees/

Stackable, Trackable & Packable: Students Need Moveable Credentials That Mean Something Now -Katherine Newman, Evolllution

Smaller, chunkier credentials—positive markers students can take with them anywhere—prove what they know and show employers that they are ready to apply their knowledge in a workplace setting. Those qualifications may be individual course credits, a certificate or a micro-degree obtained either as a standalone pursuit or undertaken while working for a living. Some credentials are just building blocks and others are self-contained, but all are transferable and facilitate upward career mobility by sharpening a resume.   

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/stackable-trackable-packable-students-need-moveable-credentials-that-mean-something-now/

Conversations on Credential As You Go - Peter Smith, Nan Travers & Holly Zanville, Evolllution

The pride and satisfaction people feel when they complete a credential, as well as the understanding and sophistication they gain—whether certificate, job recognition of their knowledge or another credential like a degree—that in my mind is of equal importance. There’s real power in incremental credentialing and the collection of learning in a continuous learning record. Recognizing and understanding it will lionize it, legitimize it as a really important, powerful celebration of learning.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/conversations-on-credential-as-you-go/

This Leadership Approach Is Damaging Careers. A Harvard Business Review Study Explains Why - Jeff Steen, Inc.

Professional development is not extra work without structure. To avoid sapping employees' energy and feeding scope creep, you have to build a program for career advancement. In the wake of the Great Resignation, many business leaders have frantically sought ways to keep their best talent on board. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, of course -- it depends on industry, available resources, business makeup, and at least a dozen other factors. There is one recurring best practice that seems to have consistent impact, however: Offer professional development. In other words, give your employees the opportunity to level up in their careers with skills training and credentialing.

https://www.inc.com/jeff-steen/this-leadership-approach-is-damaging-careers-a-harvard-business-review-study-explains-why.html

Ideas: What Are Micro-Credentials, and Can They Help You Land a Better Job? - Kelsey Rolfe, Canadian Business

Digital transformation company FX Innovation had been struggling for years with its talent pipeline long before the pandemic exacerbated tech industry labour shortages. The company consistently found applicants lacked up-to-date cloud computing skills that are so crucial to its work; the field is evolving so quickly and some new skills aren’t yet taught in post-secondary courses. So the Montreal-based company partnered with the University of Ottawa and tech non-profit Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks in 2021 to launch CloudCampus, a micro-credential program to train Canadian tech talent.

https://www.canadianbusiness.com/ideas/micro-credentials-canada/

‘Micro-Credential’ Courses Give Employees Lifelong Opportunities - Huddle

While the traditional four-year degree or diploma is still the foundation of most professional education, micro-credentials act as a booster shot for people who want to further develop, or enhance, their current academic qualifications. Maybe it’s a short online course on project management, or a longer in-person program in social media governance; these options are becoming increasingly more important. Dann Downes, Acting Assistant Dean Interdisciplinary Studies at UNB’s School of Graduate Studies, teaches one of the mico-crediential courses offered at the University of New Brunswick. Downes states micro-credentials offer people who already have experience or education a way to hone or upgrade their skills—and even learn new ones.

https://huddle.today/2022/01/12/micro-credential-courses-give-employees-lifelong-opportunities/

Arizona State wants to reach 100M learners by 2030. Can it meet its goal? - Natalie Schwartz, Highered Dive

Arizona State University launched an initiative Thursday that aims to reach 100 million learners worldwide in an online global management and entrepreneurship certificate program by 2030.  The certificate program, which will be translated into 40 languages, will be offered through Arizona State's Thunderbird School of Global Management. An initial donation of $25 million is helping to fund the program, which will make the certificates free to learners through full scholarships. 

https://www.highereddive.com/news/arizona-state-wants-to-reach-100m-learners-by-2030-can-it-meet-its-goal/617468/

Viterbo to offer online certificate program in servant leadership - LaCrosse Tribune

The seven-week, noncredit certificate program will allow people to learn at their own pace and complete the course on their own schedule. Participants will reflect on their leadership experiences and develop skills in communication, storytelling, and ethical decision making to help build community and create a servant-led culture within their respective organizations. The program will be taught by Tom Thibodeau, distinguished professor of servant leadership at Viterbo University, and Robert Toomey, a learning and talent development consultant.

https://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/viterbo-to-offer-online-certificate-program-in-servant-leadership/article_3a3f93d1-9c74-52e9-b0fd-261456f188c3.html

Are micro-credentials really the answer? - Sarah Dobson, Canadian HR Reporter

Microcredentials have become increasingly popular as a way to train or educate people in a more concise way, while focusing on competencies and skills gaps. But as with any growing trend, questions have been raised, particularly around their structure and efficacy. So does that mean it’s time for employers and HR to step back and assess before embracing the promise of microcredentials? Two experts are calling for a different approach they hope will produce better results for employers.

https://www.hrreporter.com/employment-law/news/are-micro-credentials-really-the-answer/362998

What Are Micro-Credentials And Why Are So Many Universities Talking About Them? - John Steele, Suitable

In a recent survey published by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, 7 in 10 college leaders say micro-credentialing could help enrollment and revenue. The study collected responses from 606 campus leaders on a wide range of questions related to credentials. Not only are 71% of college leaders interested in micro-credentialing, 88% say that micro-credentialing initiatives are aligned with their strategic plans.

https://www.suitable.co/knowledge-center/blog/what-are-micro-credentials

Office of Micro-Credentials - FIU

FIU is committed to providing quality academic offerings to our students and community. The Division of Academic & Student Affairs is committed to working with faculty, staff, and industry partners to identify the skills that all learners need to be successful in the 21st century world of work. As part of the Next Horizon 2025 strategic plan, the goal of the Office of Micro-Credentials is to support our partners to develop innovative programming and work with learners to identify competencies that align with their academic programming or professional interests. New Micro-Credential proposals are initiated and developed by the faculty or an appropriate departmental/unit designee. Proposals will be submitted to the Division of Academic & Student Affairs for review.

https://dasa.fiu.edu/all-departments/office-of-micro-credentials/index.html

Micro-credentials aim to have maxi-impact - Elaine Smith, Toronto Star

Micro-credentials are relatively new to the education game, but they are gaining traction worldwide, both at post-secondary institutions, such as Ontario Tech and Western University, and corporations like EY and IBM. The government of Ontario is also on board. In April, the provincial government created the $15 million Ontario Micro-Credentials Challenge Fund to build on earlier pilot projects that led to offerings such as a micro-credential in donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), a micro-credential in data analytics and one in electric vehicle battery maintenance. Each was developed in partnership between industry and a college or university.

https://www.thestar.com/life/2022/01/03/micro-credentials-aim-to-have-maxi-impact.html

Staying Competitive in a Post-Pandemic World with Microcredentials - Steven Murphy, Evolllution

In a post-pandemic world, it is critical that higher education helps its students stay competitive in the ever-changing world of work. Providing just-in-time, stackable, flexible education is the best way to help learners upskill and reskill for their current and future jobs. 

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/staying-competitive-in-a-post-pandemic-world-with-microcredentials-2/

Creating a Constellation of Offerings with Microcredentials and Continuing Education - KRISTINE COLLINS, Modern Campus

Microcredentials are the hottest topic in higher education, and institutions need to launch and scale them strategically.  On this episode, Kristine Collins, Assistant Dean of Academic Programs in the School of Continuing Studies at University of Toronto, talks about microcredentials and how to leverage CE division’s expertise to launch and scale them successfully. 

https://moderncampus.com/podcast/episode-fourteen.html

What Will Be the Highest-Paying IT Career 5 Years From Now? - Oliver Rist, PC Magazine

There are a series of high-paying IT skills you could chase, but none have more potential than security. Based on an October 2020 study from Burning Glass Technologies, depending on the security skill you decide to chase, you'll see five-year projected growth up to 165% and a significant potential annual salary bump, on average between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the discipline. The area with the most potential is application-development security, and it's probably the one that'll get you the most thanks from customers and users, since you'll be making their apps and cloud services safer. This skill is best if you're currently a developer, since you'll be focusing on making code as bulletproof as possible.  (Ray asks - what certificates you might offer to meet this need?)

https://www.pcmag.com/news/cybersecurity-careers-show-massive-hiring-and-salary-boosts-over-the-next

The 10 Best Online Business Analytics Certifications To Power Up Your Resume - KRISTY BLEIZEFFER, Poets and Quants

But not every professional has the time, resources or desire for a full-on degree in business analytics. That is why Code Spaces has compiled the Top 10 Business Analytics Online Certifications, Courses and Trainings in 2021. The courses were selected by industry experts and were designed by top business schools and companies.

https://poetsandquants.com/2021/12/26/the-10-best-online-business-analytics-certifications-to-power-up-your-resume/

57 Jobs of the Future - Thomas Frey, Futurist Speaker

In many cases, the new jobs and categories of jobs will be quite technical as people work to bring blockchain, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, self-driving transportation, and other IT innovations to fruition and then into our daily lives. But before we get there, we should recognize that in some cases, technology breakthroughs will lead to more than just technical jobs. Take geriatric services, for example. Thinking beyond COVID, medical technology is extending life expectancy for seniors. That trend will continue to drive a critical demand for a variety of personal care services for retirees, who are likely to enjoy over 20 years of time after retirement at 65. below, I’ve identified 57 technology-related new jobs in 15 industries that will directly support or respond to these kinds of technology breakthroughs.

https://futuristspeaker.com/future-of-work/57-jobs-of-the-future/