TRU Open Learning receives funds to improve micro-credential assessment - Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has received $321,359 for the third phase of its work creating a process to assess micro-credentials for additional credit options. A micro-credential is a short, stand-alone, competency-based learning program that fits with labour market or community needs. It is assessed and recognized for employment or further learning. As part of phase 3, TRU is assessing up to 50 micro-credentials for possible academic credit. This includes provincially funded and independently developed micro-credentials. TRU is also working with the B.C. Council on Admissions & Transfer (BCCAT) to house and share the assessment results through the online Transfer Credit System. Sharing assessment results allows institutions across B.C. to identify potential credit paths within their own institution.

https://www.castanet.net/news/Campus-Life-Kamloops/530124/TRU-Open-Learning-receives-funds-to-improve-micro-credential-assessment

Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development Partners With Ziplines Education - Higher Ed Dive

Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) Center for Professional & Executive Development announced its launch of several new online certificate courses in partnership with Ziplines Education, a career accelerator focused on upskilling professionals at all career levels. The collaboration is especially timely as businesses increasingly seek talent with the technology-first skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the workplace.In today’s economy, the Salesforce Global Digital Skills Index reports that 95% of U.S. companies use technology platforms, yet 76% of global workers feel unprepared to use these digital tools effectively. To remain competitive and prepared, professionals in “business and management” roles must continually advance their skills in a rapidly evolving and tech-driven landscape. WSB Center for Professional & Executive Development will equip professionals with some of these skills by offering programs in Digital Marketing, Product Management, and AI Prompting.

https://www.highereddive.com/press-release/20250128-wisconsin-school-of-business-center-for-professional-executive-developmen-1/

College of Charleston Partners with Cousera

Through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning:The College became the first university in South Carolina to partner with Coursera to offer industry-branded, micro-credentials to students, faculty and staff. The spring 2025 faculty professional learning community plans to teach courses with embedded industry micro-credentials.

https://today.charleston.edu/2025/01/27/updates-from-academic-affairs-fs/

Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials in Higher Education - Nature Research Intelligence

[Ed note:  the  original link to this topic was removed by the publisher - I have substituted another publication from Springer on the topic] Recent studies have highlighted the strategic importance of micro-credentials in higher education. For instance, university leaders are encouraged to consider whether micro-credentials align with their institutional goals and the needs of their students. The research emphasizes that while micro-credentials can offer strategic value, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be integrated thoughtfully with existing programs and initiatives. 

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1

New models for university attendance - Walter V. Wendler, President of West Texas A&M

competency-based education, flexible scheduling, AI-powered personalized learning, experiential and work-integrated learning, flexible assessments and subscription-based learning opportunities, as well as other approaches to university study allow for scheduling, interaction and participation to fit the needs of an evolving, highly individualized student demographic. Responsive rural universities, to recruit and provide needed contemporary service to a wide range of students, will build programs to fit the needs of one student at a time, which simultaneously do not compromise quality. According to Panopto, the choice to fit needs and circumstances empowers both the student and the institution.

https://www.myplainview.com/news/education/article/new-models-university-attendance-20052096.php

AR community colleges create new pathways to employment - Freda Ross, MSN.com

Students at eight Arkansas community colleges can benefit from new micro-courses to prepare for the workforce. The schools are collaborating with the Education Design Lab to create a curriculum of credentialing classes, or micro-pathways, which when combined, prepare a student for a job at or above the local median wage. Lucas Paxton, director of digital learning at Northwest Arkansas Community College, said they are getting input from employers and community leaders to ensure students have the skills needed for available positions.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/careers/career-advice/ar-community-colleges-create-new-pathways-to-employment/ar-AA1vweaJ

Association leaders, educators praise Meyer’s youth apprenticeship executive action - Delaware Live

 Governor Matt Meyer directed state agencies to prioritize the development of youth apprenticeship programs across the state in his first executive action.   Led by the Delaware Department of Education, Executive Order #1 establishes a statewide working group consisting of at least 15 members from across labor, educational, and nongovernmental sectors, with the ultimate goal of developing proposed processes and policies to expand youth apprenticeships and workforce development across the state. “If we’re serious about educating our kids, then we need to be serious about the opportunities we want them to have,” said Governor Meyer. 

https://delawarelive.com/youth-apprenticeship-meyer/

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/