Shapiro Administration Highlights Nearly $400K Investment to Expand Early Childhood Education Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Philadelphia

The Shapiro Administration’s nearly $400,000 investment last fall enabled Philadelphia Academies Inc., in partnership with Parkway West High School, to launch its expanded Early Childhood Education Pre-Apprenticeship program. By increasing annual funding for workforce development by nearly $65 million since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro is addressing workforce shortages and setting Pennsylvania’s workforce up for success for generations to come.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/newsroom/shapiro-administration-highlights-nearly--400k-investment-.html

United Family now accepting summer internship applications - KCBD

The United Family has opened its summer internship application process for full-time college students, recent graduates, and others who qualify until the March 15 deadline. If selected, the internship will run for 12 weeks during the summer months. The positions are also eligible for full-time pay with up to 40 hours per week — this can vary by position. In addition, applicants can apply for a wide range of areas within The United Family, like marketing, I.T., public relations, accounting, retail operations, learning & development, merchandising, supply chain, finance, and more. “The United Family offers internship opportunities in a wide range of growing business areas,” said Shannon Miller, EVP of Talent Management for The United Family. “We want prospective applicants to know we have a diverse company full of opportunities in many fields. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience to students across almost any major.”

https://www.kcbd.com/2025/01/22/united-family-now-accepting-summer-internship-applications/

Free Online Certificate Course: Mainstreaming Decentralised Renewable Energyin the Global South

A just and inclusive global energy transition cannot be achieved without universal energy access. At the current rate of progress, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2030 -- the target year for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) -- 660 million people in the Global South will still lack access to electricity. While centralised grids continue to expand, decentralised renewable energy (DRE) is emerging as a critical solution to bridge the energy access gap, both as an alternative as well as to complement centralised systems. In 2021 alone, DRE solutions provided electricity access to 179 million people, a significant rise from just 35 million in 2012. DRE offers faster and more cost-effective solutions for electrifying rural or remote areas with lower population densities. 

https://www.cseindia.org/free-online-certificate-course-mainstreaming-decentralised-renewable-energyin-the-global-south-12577

Courses to open stage doors - Cairns Local News (Australia)

The Department of Trade, Employment and Training has funded the roll-out of six new micro-credentials in theatre skills in February – three in acting and three in technical skills – to help address the skills shortage in the industry with First Nations talent. CQUniversity, in conjunction with JUTE Theatre Company and Cairns Regional Council, will provide the free micro-credentials, known as the Binalmalmal (listening and learning) – skills for theatre training program. CQUniversity’s Indigenous engagement officer Diane Parter said it was a fantastic way for First Nations theatre enthusiasts to get their start in the industry. “It’s a great opportunity for First Nations people in Far North Queensland to gain a cross-section of skills in a growing industry where there is a great need for Indigenous faces and voices,” she said

https://www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/courses-to-open-stage-doors-2025-01-19

Siena Heights University launches new options for adult learners - Janis ReeserAI-assisted reporter; Lenconnect

]Siena Heights University is launching new options for adult learners, focusing on micro-credentials and professional development. The initiative aims to address regional skills gaps and enhance career opportunities in Lenawee County and beyond, according to a news release from the university. The programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing adults to complete short-term credential and certificate programs online. This approach is intended to support career changes, promotions or ongoing competitiveness in fields like IT, healthcare and data science.

https://www.lenconnect.com/story/news/local/2025/01/18/siena-heights-university-launches-new-options-for-adult-learners/77573866007/

Over 400 Advocates In Indore To Become Notaries As Indian Government Rolls Out Online Registration Process - MSN

Former president of Indore Bar Association, advocate Gopal Kacholiya said that the Notary Cell of India’s law department had sent provisional appointment emails to advocates selected as notaries for 2024. The email, dispatched on January 13, 2025, instructed the selected candidates to log in to the official Notary Cell portal and complete the registration process by uploading the required documents. The selection process included rigorous online interviews conducted in 2024. Out of 3,575 eligible candidates, the Notary Cell released a list of 2,177 selected advocates on May 14, 2024. “Out of 2,177, around 400 advocates are from Indore. These advocates have been waiting for months to begin their notary work. They will soon get an online certificate,” said Kacholiya. As per the guidelines, candidates must submit essential documents, including verified certificates, affidavits and the requisite NOC from the Madhya Pradesh Bar Council.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/politics/government/over-400-advocates-in-indore-to-become-notaries-as-indian-government-rolls-out-online-registration-process/ar-AA1xhyTD

White paper offers framework for micro-credential assessment - University of Buffalo

Micro-credentials have become an increasingly popular way to document the acquisition of learning and skills. But they often lack standardized assessment, hampering their ability to be fully integrated into the broader educational system. Now, two UB researchers have co-authored a white paper that presents a comprehensive process for assessing the value of micro-credentials in higher education. “Creating Assessments for Micro-Credentials in Higher Education Organization .Download pdf(7.8 MB),” co-authored by Sam Abramovich, associate professor in the departments of Learning and Instruction and Information Science, and Anne Reed, director of the university’s Office of Micro-Credentials, presents a detailed framework for micro-credential assessment, outlining innovative methods that address the needs of multiple stakeholders, including students, educators and employers.

https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2025/01/white-paper-micro-credential-assessment.html

New Online Certificate Program for Landscape Professionals - Morning Ag Clips

University of Tennessee Extension has launched an online certificate program for landscape professionals. The Certified Landscape Professional course is taught by Extension agents and specialists and is designed for anyone who manages ornamental landscapes or who wants to start a career in the industry. Course topics include site assessment, landscape planning, plant selection, pruning, installation and more. Participants will complete each unit at their own pace.

https://www.morningagclips.com/new-online-certificate-program-for-landscape-professionals/

Multi-stakeholders Meeting on Micro-credentials in Latin America and the Caribbean: Setting the Scene - UNESCO

The rapid emergence of micro-credentials represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the educational systems of Latin America and the Caribbean. With more than 100 million students worldwide taking massive open online courses (MOOCs) and related micro-credentials, their potential to address skill gaps, promote lifelong learning, and enhance employability is significant. However, the region faces particular challenges, including high dropout rates in higher education, the growing need for workforce upskilling and reskilling, the lack of standardization and quality assurance frameworks, limited data on current offerings and outcomes, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with quality. 

https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/en/articles/multi-stakeholders-meeting-micro-credentials-latin-america-and-caribbean-setting-scene-0

SUNY system now offers hundreds of microcredentials - Brian Dwyer, Spectrum 1 News

Over the past few years, not only has the cost of higher education continued to rise, the profile of the average student has as well. Time is limited and students come from all walks of life. That’s why a relatively new concept is becoming more popular. It's called microcredentials.  Students and schools are looking at options to help continue higher education, and microcredentials are becoming very popular.  Microcredentials allow students to work at their own pace to earn certificates in a specific subject.  SUNY offers more than 500 microcredentials, and Jefferson Community College is one school looking to help students get where they want to go.

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2025/01/10/suny-microcredential-jcc-

USC Law Launches New Online Certificate in Dispute Resolution - Business Wire

The University of Southern California Gould School of Law is broadening its educational programs in mediation, arbitration and negotiation with the introduction of an online certificate in Dispute Resolution. This certificate will enable lawyers and non-lawyer professionals to advance their skills in resolving legal conflicts outside of litigation and in the workplace. Through the new online specialization, USC Gould prepares graduates to meaningfully participate in mediation and arbitration matters with an understanding of practical concepts, skills and techniques behind effective dispute resolution. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114112186/en/USC-Law-Launches-New-Online-Certificate-in-Dispute-Resolution

School of Graduate, International, and Career Studies Launches at WestConn - Connecticut by the Numbers

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.”

https://ctbythenumbers.news/ctnews/school-of-graduate-international-and-career-studies-launches-at-westconn

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.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/ieee-microcredential-program

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/

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.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2025/01/03/minnesota-dnr-looking-fill-200-paid-summer-internships

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.

https://www.kettering.edu/co-op-experience/kettering-co-op-vs-internships

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.

https://oilcity.news/community/education-community/2025/01/06/applications-open-for-uw-growing-internship-program/

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.

https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_50cfdf8a-cd11-11ef-a8c6-73ef25dac89f.html

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.

https://www.kilgorenewsherald.com/alternative-credentials-market-for-higher-education-to-grow-by-usd-1-84-billion-2025-2029/article_c08bed88-78a7-5fa7-af28-a583aeb2d85f.html

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.

https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2025/0106/1489259-micro-credentials-workplace-career-development-learning-training-skills/

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.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52021DC0770