Support Statewide Workforce Development through Career-Focused Certificates and Strategic Partnerships: By aligning with Connecticut’s economic priorities and fostering collaborations with industry and government, the school will develop career-focused certificates and micro-credentials that equip professionals with specialized, industry-relevant skills, addressing the evolving needs of the workforce and ensuring learners are prepared for a dynamic professional landscape. WestConn Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Stephen Hegedus said, “Within these three areas there are multiple synergies in terms of marketing, regional and international recruitment, internship and co-op programs, as well as workforce development, so that we can begin to offer more non-credit certificates/micro-credentials. The restructuring of graduate education is a strategic priority we believe will help ensure long-term enrollment stability for our institution.”
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Monday, January 20, 2025
IEEE Offers New Credential to Address Tech Skills Gap - Jennifer Fong, IEEE Spectrum
To help address the significant labor gap, companies are considering alternative educational pathways to technical jobs. The businesses realize that some technician roles might not actually require a college degree. Ways to develop needed skills outside of traditional schooling—such as apprenticeships, vocational programs, professional certifications, and online courses—could help fill the workforce pipeline. When taking those alternative pathways, though, students need a way to demonstrate they have acquired the skills employers are seeking. One way is through skills-based microcredentials.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
6 predictions for education and workforce in 2025 - Michael B. Horn, Christensen Institute
Nonetheless, ’tis the season for predictions in the new year. I’ve got a few for 2025 that cross the K–12, higher education, and workforce silos. So, without further adieu, here are six predictions for you. 1. Might 2025 finally be the year of apprenticeships in America? After all, there is bipartisan support for them. But for America to go back to the future and party like it’s the 18th century, more legislation that offers funding for each apprentice hired will likely have to move—Pell grants for apprenticeships, anyone?—so that intermediaries can meaningfully enter the market and derisk things for companies wary of hiring unproven employees. Either way, though, expect apprenticeships to gain steam in the new Trump administration.
https://www.christenseninstitute.org/blog/six-predictions-for-education-and-workforce-in-2025/
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Minnesota DNR looking to fill 200 paid summer internships - State of Minnesota
DNR summer interns receive valuable training, develop key skills and contribute in important ways to the department’s mission of working with Minnesotans to conserve and manage natural resources, provide outdoor recreational opportunities, and provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life. The DNR has a wide variety of internship opportunities throughout the state, including in fisheries, forestry, park operations, watercraft inspections, communications and more. Interns work 20 to 40 hours per week and receive a competitive wage of $19 per hour. To be considered for an internship, fulfilling an academic requirement or receiving academic credit is required.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Co-ops vs Internships: What's the Difference? - Kettering University
The Kettering Co-op experience has the speed, feel, and pay of a real career — because that’s what it is. From your first year, you’ll hone your skills and build a powerful professional network that can lead to exponential academic and career growth. By the time you graduate, you will have 2.5 years of paid professional work experience that puts you miles ahead of your peers — and they never catch up.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Applications open for UW GrowinG Internship Program - Oil City News
The University of Wyoming’s GrowinG Internship Program is now accepting applications for 2025. The program connects beginning farmers and ranchers with host farms and ranches, providing interns with hands-on agricultural experience. For hosts, the program offers an opportunity to mentor the next generation of Wyoming farmers and ranchers. To be eligible, intern applicants must be 18 years or older and have less than 10 years’ experience managing their own farm or ranch.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Internships and early starts encouraged by workforce organizations - Nolan McKendry, The Center Square
Louisiana's workforce challenges are urgent, with more job openings than unemployed individuals and 68% of positions requiring education beyond high school. Addressing this gap, high school internships and apprenticeships are emerging as pivotal tools to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers. These programs not only provide hands-on experience and technical skills but also directly contribute to the state's broader education and workforce goals outlined in the Louisiana Prospers master plan. The Louisiana Board of Regents recently highlighted the state’s progress toward its ambitious target of a 60% postsecondary credential attainment rate by 2030.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Alternative Credentials Market for Higher Education to Grow by USD 1.84 Billion (2025-2029), Driven by Skills Gap and AI Redefining the Market Landscape - Technavio
The global alternative credentials market for higher education size is estimated to grow by USD 1.84 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 15.3% during the forecast period. Widening skills gap is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise in non-traditional offerings. However, threat from traditional degree program providers poses a challenge. Key market players include 2U Inc., Bisk Ventures, Carroll Community College Foundation Inc., City and Guilds Group, Coursera Inc., Credly Inc., JPMorgan Chase and Co., New York State Education Department, NIIT Ltd., NorthEastern University, Pearson Plc, Purdue University Global, Simplilearn, Strategic Education Inc., Temple University, Udacity Inc., Udemy Inc., University of Michigan, University Professional and Continuing Education Association, and XuetangX.
Monday, January 13, 2025
How micro-credentials could be good for your career in 2025 -Brian Murphy and K.C. O'Rourke, TU Dublin
Micro-credentials offer clear benefits for both individuals and businesses. For individuals, micro-credentials provide a fast, affordable way to learn new skills that can boost your career. For example, if you work in sales and want to move into digital marketing, a micro-credential in social media management could help you make the switch. For businesses, micro-credentials help companies address skills gaps. As industries change, employers need workers who can adapt quickly. By supporting employees to earn micro-credentials, businesses can ensure their teams have the right skills to stay competitive.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
European Union (EU): Proposal for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability
Objective and scope of the proposal:
In general, the Commission proposal for a Council recommendation on micro-credentials will contribute to implementing Principles 1 and 4 of the European Pillar of Social Rights by widening learning opportunities for all and facilitating more flexible learning pathways throughout life, as well as supporting the right to timely and tailor-made assistance to improve employment or self-employment prospects, including the right to receive support for training and re-qualification.
Specifically, the proposal aims to:
·enable people to acquire the knowledge, skills and competences they need to thrive in an changing labour market and society, so they can benefit fully from both a socially fair recovery from COVID-19 and just transitions to the green and digital economy;
·support the preparedness of providers of micro-credentials to enhance the flexibility of the learning offer in order to empower people to forge personalised learning and career pathways;
·foster inclusiveness and equal opportunities, contributing to the achievement of resilience, social fairness and prosperity for all, in a context of demographic change and throughout all phases of economic cycles.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
India's UGC Invites Feedback On Draft Guidelines For Skill-Based Courses & Micro-Credentials In Higher Education - Archit Gupta, News18.com
The UGC has invited feedback on its draft guidelines for skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited comments, suggestions, and feedback on its draft guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education institutions. These new courses will provide opportunities for continuous professional development and personal growth, helping students develop adaptability and curiosity. Feedback will be accepted for 30 days from the publication date of this notice, i.e., December 31.
Friday, January 10, 2025
ASU's Cronkite School launches investigative editing certificate for working professionals
Investigative faculty of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and its Howard Center for Investigative Journalism have created a new investigative editing curriculum that will be offered online starting in January 2025. The continuing professional education curriculum consists of 12 online learning modules that will allow learners to work through the course at their own pace. Each module will conclude with a live Zoom session, giving learners a chance to speak with Cronkite faculty who helped develop the curriculum. Those include Pulitzer Prize winners Leonard Downie, Jr., the former executive editor of The Washington Post, Angela M. Hill, the Ida B. Wells professor of journalism at Cronkite, and Steve Doig, a Cronkite professor who is one of the pioneers in data journalism. Other award-winning faculty involved in developing the curriculum include Mark Greenblatt, executive director of the Howard Center, Lauren Mucciolo, the center’s executive producer, and Maud Beelman, a veteran investigative editor who was the founding director of both the Howard Center at ASU and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Year 2024 in review: Industry’s grip on higher education - Economic Times, India
Year 2024 in review: Industry’s grip on higher education - Economic Times, India
The introduction of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) by the Indian government heralded a new era of research funding, with over ₹12,000 crore earmarked for fostering cutting-edge collaborations. The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) revised guidelines for industry-sponsored courses also spurred growth, allowing institutions to co-create programmes with corporations. The outcomes have been transformative: over 25% of engineering colleges reported enhanced employability metrics, thanks to the integration of specialised skills like AI/ML and IoT into their curricula.These developments underscore a clear trend—higher education is no longer confined to academic silos. Instead, it has become a dynamic ecosystem, fuelled by collaborative efforts to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. The figures speak volumes: the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) witnessed a notable increase, bolstered by initiatives like the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Let’s delve into the milestones that shaped this collaboration and redefined higher education in 2024.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Skipping College: The New Playbook for Successful Careers Without College - Thomas Frey, Future of Education
It has become increasingly evident that many young people are questioning the long-held belief that a traditional four-year college education is the best—or only—path to success. Rising tuition costs, mounting student debt, and uncertain job prospects after graduation have driven a growing skepticism toward the value of a college degree. At the same time, the rapid evolution of technology and shifting demands in the labor market have highlighted the need for skills-based learning and alternative career pathways. This change reflects a broader cultural and economic shift, with more individuals seeking practical, affordable, and efficient ways to enter the workforce. The future of career preparation is evolving, with a focus on building meaningful networks, acquiring hands-on skills, and leveraging personalized education options like trade schools, certifications, online courses, and mentorships. These alternatives not only align better with individual goals but also provide direct, tangible routes to professional success in an ever-changing world.The shifting attitudes toward higher education are being driven by a convergence of economic, professional, and cultural factors. Economically, the skyrocketing cost of college tuition and the resulting student loan crisis have left many young people questioning whether a degree is worth the financial burden.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Spellman College"s New Business Communications Certificate - eSpellman
New from eSpelman: Online certificate in Business Communications! This two-course undergrad-level offering focuses on the fundamentals of Strategic Communications Management along with crafting persuasive messaging with an exciting course called The Art of the Pitch. eSpelman certificates are designed for adult learners who may not have finished a bachelor’s degree or who are seeking a career switch or advancement. Courses are 8-weeks long and are 100% online. The Business Communications certificate joins others like Cosmetic Science, Project Management, and Diverse Leadership. Add an eSpelman certificate to your resume in 2025!
Monday, January 6, 2025
Top 5 Free Coursera Certificates For 2025, From Research - Rachel Wells, Forbes
As employers relax their requirements for workers with four-year degrees and opt for highly skilled candidates instead, one key factor has been strongly instrumental to the success of this strategic move: online courses and professional certificates. In Coursera's latest report, they explained: "In early 2024, more than half of job listings in the U.S. omitted formal education requirements, and in late November, the U.S. Department of Labor published a skills-first hiring guide." (According to the DOL, their goal is to promote "skills-based hiring as a quality recruitment practice," and to provide employers with the resources and information for this to be effective, regardless of where or how one obtained those skills.) "As demand for alternative credentials rose, there were over 3.3 million enrollments in entry-level professional certificates this year," the report continues.
Sunday, January 5, 2025
2025 Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education - EdSurge
Arlington, VA - Sep 29 1:15 pm to Oct 1, 2025 12:15 pm - Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education examines new and emerging trends and models, especially at the institutional level, in the emergent field of alternative credentials. Presented jointly by UPCEA and AACRAO, two of the organizations most critical to the future development and implementation of innovative credentials, this event brings together key campus stakeholders in credential innovation—deans of professional education, chief online learning officers, registrars, and their staff—to define and develop their institutional strategy with respect to alternative credentials.
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Micro-credentials, reskilling in the spotlight for the year ahead - Irish Examiner
Gone are the days when a single degree could sustain an entire career. Skills gaps are inevitable in today’s fast-moving work environment, leaving workers and employers grappling hard to stay on top of trends. Enter micro-credentials: those compact, targeted courses that equip individuals with the skills they need to meet the demands of the modern workplace. For stretched workforces, micro-credentials offer employees the chance to upskill or reskill efficiently. Often lasting between six and 12 weeks, they are designed with flexibility in mind. Many are delivered online or through a blended format, enabling learners to balance education with professional and personal responsibilities.
Friday, January 3, 2025
Micro-credential programmes seek to narrow skills gap in India - HP Ranina, Khaleej Times
Technical institutes, universities and colleges have now started incorporating micro-credentials in their curriculum and are creating hybrid models that blend traditional degrees with skill-focused programmes. This integration enables students to have a holistic education combining deep academic knowledge with practical, job ready skills. Many industries face skill gaps that hinder growth and innovation. Micro-credentials provide a solution by offering efficient pathways for workers to gain the expertise and skills needed to fill the gaps.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Apprenticeships are a trending alternative to college — but there’s a hitch - Jon Marcus, Hechinger Report
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom time. Increasing their use has bipartisan support and was a rare subject of agreement between the presidential candidates in the election just ended. Apprenticeships have also benefited from growing public skepticism about the need for college: Only one in four adults now says having a four-year degree is extremely or very important to get a good job, the Pew Research Center finds, and nearly two-thirds of 14- to 18-year-olds say their ideal educations would involve learning skills on the job, as in apprenticeships, according to a survey by the ECMC Group. (ECMC Group is affiliated with the ECMC Foundation, one of many funders of The Hechinger Report.)
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Looking for internships? They are in short supply - Jon Marcus, Hechinger Report
Not only are there growing concerns about the supply of apprenticeships meeting demand; there’s a shortage of another important workforce training tool — internships. There were an estimated 5.7 million fewer high-quality internships last year than learners who wanted to intern, according to the Business-Higher Education Forum, or BHEF.Employers last year provided 2.5 million high-quality internships, compared to 8.2 million people who wanted one, the BHEF found. Another million internships that were offered fell short of high standards of quality and skills development, the organization said.
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