COLUMN: What’s a micro-credential and where can I get one? - John McArthur, Lawton Constitution

“Micro” refers to shorter time to completion and, in many cases, lesser cost. Topics are tightly focused to address a few key skills in high demand. Employers are increasingly using micro-credentials and other skills assessments to find qualified employees, and it might be something that can boost your career. It’s definitely something that Cameron University can help you earn.

https://www.swoknews.com/opinion/columnists/column-what-s-a-micro-credential-and-where-can-i-get-one/article_0182d2ca-26a7-5287-96d1-830345e629a8.html

Higher Ed Curricula—the Short Game - Ray Schroeder, Inside Higher Ed

Colleges and universities must respond to the needs, desires and demands of our clientele—the students, families and employers who pay for and consume our learning products. The truth is that the desired workforce characteristics are changing. The last century’s model of employees working many years, even decades, at one job for one employer is long gone. As such, one degree will not sustain a lifetime of work credentials. A continuing flow of upskilling and reskilling will be required for lifelong success. The need is not to abandon the baccalaureate or graduate degrees. Rather, it is to provide affordable, effective ways for more students to build a scaffolding of knowledge and skills to successfully launch rewarding careers in a constantly shifting economy. Further, it is to build paths for continuous improvement and advancement for those already in the workforce.

https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/blogs/online-trending-now/higher-ed-curricula%E2%80%94-short-game

Getting the Most Out of Short-Term Career and Technical Education (CTE) Credentials: What Explains Differences in Debt and Earnings? - Molly M. Scott, Nathan Sick, Jincy Wilson; Urban Institute

We use data from the College Scorecard to examine CTE programs overall and within six fields of study: health sciences, business and marketing, computer and information sciences, repair services, protective services, and personal and culinary services. We explore the program outcomes of debt, earnings, and “debt burden” (debt as a share of earnings). We examine how each outcome is shaped by program, institution, and labor market characteristics. We provide actionable knowledge for institutions, students, and employers on the returns to short-term CTE programs and the factors that explain improved outcomes for students.

https://www.urban.org/research/publication/getting-most-out-short-term-career-and-technical-education-cte-credentials

Surge Micro-credentials and Microsoft fill needs gap for working professionals - Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Surge Micro-credentials, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, provide flexible and innovative learning in a growing number of high-demand industries such as business, technology and more. Surge Micro-credentials are short, focused courses that accelerate learners’ skills in specific areas. Sask Polytech and Microsoft Canada partnered to help learners jump-start their career while earning globally recognized and industry-endorsed Microsoft certifications.   

https://saskpolytech.ca/news/posts/2022/surge-microsoft-fill-needs-gap-for-working-professionals.aspx

Skills-first employers may outperform peers, but many are struggling to adapt - Kathryn Moody, HR Dive

Employers are still wary of turning away from degree-based hiring, reports have said, which is the first step for truly skills-first organizations.  Organizations that use skills-based practices — such as career mapping for skill sets and hiring that focuses on ability instead of degrees — outperform their peers that don’t do so, according to a Deloitte report published Sept. 21. But many organizations are struggling to make significant changes amid calls for workplace agility, Deloitte noted.

https://www.hrdive.com/news/skills-first-employers-may-outperform-their-peers-but-many-are-struggling/632728/

Why blockchain could mean fewer hassles for students and workers proving their credential - Rory McGreal, the Conversation

Traditionally, institutions own and control certifications like degrees, but that could shift with 'digital degrees' and microcredentials that rely on blockchain. Microcredentials — attestations of proficiency in a specific skill or knowledge base that are certified by an authority — can provide evidence of a person’s skills to employers. While microcredentials are becoming more popular, the concept is hardly new: A driver’s licence or the St. John Ambulance certificate could be considered as microcredentials, attesting respectively to a person’s driving skill or their competency in administering first aid. Blockchain technology is appropriate for microcredential implementation. Blockchain can best be described as a digital ledger that records information that can be shared among a community of users.

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/why-blockchain-could-mean-fewer-181305904.html

Breaking Down Barriers to Internships - Melissa Ezarik and Daisy Gonzales, Inside Higher Ed

A Student Voice survey of 2,116 students, conducted in mid-August by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse with support from Kaplan showed the majority of student interns surveyed did earn pay, and in some cases also college credit, for their most recent internship.  That was a lot less likely to happen for community college students, 42 percent of whom were paid or received money and credit. That’s compared to 71 percent of students at four-year institutions who participated in internships. Some respondents did note the benefits of virtual and hybrid-format internships in landing an opportunity. “It has certainly made it easier!” wrote a student at a California community college. 

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/10/04/chancellor-california-community-colleges-supporting-internship-success

Coursera Survey: Student and Employer Demand for Microcredentials Is High - Rhea Kelly, Campus Technology

Globally, 89% of students in the survey agreed or strongly agreed that earning an entry-level professional certificate or microcredential will help them stand out to employers and secure jobs when they graduate. For their part, 92% of employers agreed or strongly agreed that a professional certificate strengthens a candidate's job application, and on average, employers were 76% more likely to hire a candidate who has earned an industry microcredential.

https://campustechnology.com/articles/2022/09/29/coursera-survey-student-and-employer-demand-for-microcredentials-is-high.aspx

RDP offers new micro-credential programs - Amie Macinnis, Lacombe Onilne

“We are excited to expand our breadth of programming in the micro-credential space and are appreciative of the support from the Ministry of Advanced Education to develop and launch new micro-credentials at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Kylie Thomas, Vice President Academic and Provost. “These micro-credentials increase opportunities for learners and the workforce to evolve their skills in their current profession or to prepare them to embark on a new career path. Micro-credentials are a means to upskill and reskill for today’s labour market.”  Over the next two years, Red Deer Polytechnic’s Extended Education will offer the following micro-credential programs: Complex Care and Patient Navigator, Classroom Support Aide, Statistical Consultant, Photovoltaic Systems: Design and Install, and Substance and Addictions Support Worker. 

https://lacombeonline.com/articles/rdp-offers-new-micro-credential-programs

New Coursera survey shows high demand for industry microcredentials from students and employers in tight labor market - Scott Shireman, Coursera

Among other compelling data points, we found that 88% of students and recent graduates said including industry microcredentials, or in this case, entry-level professional certificates, in an academic program would make them more likely to enroll in that program.

The key findings from the Higher Education to Employment Survey Report include: Students and recent graduates globally believe industry microcredentials make them more likely to land a job. 43% identified their ability to get a job among the top three factors motivating their decision to enroll in a degree program. Employability was ranked ahead of academic strength, reputation, and cost, and came second only to the institution’s location. 

https://blog.coursera.org/from-higher-education-to-employment

Brighter prospects with flexible, on-demand education - Globe and Mail

More than ever, staying successful in both the professional and personal spheres against the backdrop of fast-evolving conditions requires lifelong learning. “We have to continue to learn,” says Michelle DeCoste, dean, Centre for Online Learning & Microcredentials at Toronto’s Centennial College. “The good news is that we are increasing the number of ways by which we can gain the necessary skills, knowledge and experiences.”

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/adv/article-brighter-prospects-with-flexible-on-demand-education/

Ed tech leaders just predicted these 3 trends will unfold in higher education - Natalie Schwartz, Higher Ed Dive

Microcredentials are higher ed’s future: Chief executives at two large ed tech companies touted new microcredentials available on their platforms, stressing that these smaller offerings will be a key part of higher education’s future.  Jeff Maggioncalda, Coursera’s CEO, likened Career Academy to Shopify, an e-commerce platform that enables merchants to quickly set up online stores. Colleges can use Career Academy to launch a skills academy with their own branding. 2U is also doubling down on microcredentials. The company announced Thursday two new credentials it calls Microbachelors, which are programs composed of a few classes that can lead to college credit from edX’s partner institutions. 

https://www.highereddive.com/news/ed-tech-leaders-just-predicted-these-3-trends-will-unfold-in-higher-educati/632594/

Red Deer Polytechnic set to launch five new micro-credential programs - RED DEER ADVOCATE

RDP’s Extended Education will offer several micro-credential programs starting in 2022-23, including Complex Care and Patient Navigator and Classroom Support Aide. The three other programs that will be launched in 2023-24 are Statistical Consultant, Photovoltaic Systems: Design and Install, and Substance and Addictions Support Worker.  Last week, the province announced RDP will receive $340,950 for micro-credential programs.

https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/red-deer-polytechnic-set-to-launch-five-new-micro-credential-programs/

New Coursera Survey: Industry Certificates Hold Strong Appeal For College Students And Employers - Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes

A new survey commissioned by Coursera, the online learning platform and a pioneer of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS), reveals that large majorities of employers and students view short-term, industry certificates as a worthwhile addition to a college degree and a valuable credential in the hiring and job-seeking process. This strong interest in so-called micro-credentials comes at a time when a number of major companies - including Accenture, IBM, Google, Bank of America and others - are no longer requiring college degrees for many entry-level jobs, removing a “paper ceiling” as they try to build a more diverse workforce and address the talent gaps that continue to plague a number of industries.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2022/09/27/new-coursera-survey-industry-certificates-hold-strong-appeal-for-college-students-and-employers/

How Useful Are Online Certificates in the Modern Job Market? - RAJI OLUWANIYI, Make Use of

Online certificates have recently become a popular choice for many seeking accessible and affordable education opportunities. Whether you are a fresh-faced college graduate looking to bolster your CV, a career person trying to upskill in their twilight years, or a newbie in the labor market trying to bolster your resume, there's something for everyone. Here are some reasons for the popularity of online certificates:

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-useful-are-online-certificates-in-the-modern-job-market/

Online classes - KULR

Many employers already offer a traditional tuition reimbursement, but some companies are expanding to cover online courses as well. Online courses soared in popularity during the pandemic, and they continue to be much easier for remote workers to access than in-person training. In March 2022, Fortune reported that approximately 14% of employees are offered some form of reimbursement for online courses. Companies like Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Walt Disney Company, Starbucks, and T-Mobile cover 100% of tuition for certain online certificate or degree programs at specified institutions.

https://www.kulr8.com/news/national/online-classes/image_3327c039-7968-5cd5-9398-f19e74b74995.html

Alberta post-secondaries to create new “micro-credential” programs - Lethbridge News Now

The Government of Alberta has announced funding for the creation of new micro-credential programs at post-secondary schools across the province. A total of $8 million will support the development of 69 new micro-credential programs at 21 schools. Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides says these will allow unemployed and under-employed Albertans to quickly re-skill or upskill and meet the ever-evolving needs of industries.

https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2022/09/22/alberta-post-secondaries-to-create-new-micro-credential-programs/

Webinar: Alternative Credentials and CBE Programs: Answering the Call for Skills-Based Learning

Date of broadcast: Tue, 10/04/22 Registration Required - sponsored by Jenzabar

During the webinar, our panel of higher education professionals from Chatfield College and Bay de Noc Community College will share institutional strategies and best practices for implementing successful alternative credentials and CBE programs. These will be methods that any higher ed institution can repeat.

https://universitybusiness.com/alternative-credentials-and-cbe-programs-answering-the-call-for-skills-based-learning/

Walmart To Pay 100% of College Tuition and Books for Associates - Walmart

Walmart announced it will pay 100% of college tuition and books for associates through its Live Better U (LBU) education program. Starting Aug. 16, the $1 a day fee will be removed for associates, making all education programs paid for by Walmart. This means approximately 1.5 million part-time and full-time Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the U.S. can earn college degrees or learn trade skills without the burden of education debt. As the largest U.S. private employer, Walmart is committing to invest nearly $1 billion over the next five years in career-driven training and development.

https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2021/07/27/walmart-to-pay-100-of-college-tuition-and-books-for-associates

Short-term training provides skills that lead to jobs - Salt Lake Community College, KSL

As we have navigated these extraordinary and challenging times, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) rallied its resources to help both employees and employers meet their respective needs. Short-term training, certificates and other resources offered by SLCC have been vital in giving those most impacted a leg-up and a step forward toward meaningful employment in high-demand industries throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Are you a Utah resident who is unemployed, underemployed or working in a vulnerable position? Funding is now available to cover tuition and fees for many short-term training and certificate programs at SLCC.

https://www.ksl.com/article/50477608/short-term-training-provides-skills-that-lead-to-jobs

California to give $2,500 training grant to workers who lost jobs during COVID pandemic - MIKHAIL ZINSHTEYN, Mercury News

Now the state is opening the grant to a wide range of adults with low incomes who lost their jobs or saw their hours severely cut during the pandemic. Half of the grant funds are reserved for displaced workers with children under 18. Officials expect to reach 190,000 people with this money, called the Golden State Education and Training Grant Program. Among the few stipulations to receive the grant, applicants must fill out a short application that takes about 10 minutes to complete and attest that they lost a job or hours after March 4 2020, when Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency. Applicants also must affirm that they weren’t enrolled in an educational or job-training program when they lost their jobs. There’s an income threshold as well.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/09/13/california-to-give-2500-training-grant-to-workers-who-lost-jobs-during-pandemic/