McDonald's rolls out ‘micro-credentials’ program to boost employee careers - Alana Loftus, Irish Star

McDonald's Australia is launching the initiative to help young people working in their restaurants put the skills they've learned towards a university degree.  McDonald’s is planning to award employees with “microcredentials” based on skills supposedly learnt on the job. The global fast-food giant will offer certificates to employees that can potentially use to count towards a degree at the public University of South Australia or the private Torrens University. The director of learning and development at McDonald’s Australia, Mandy Sharp, explained the new scheme to a local newspaper.

https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/mcdonalds-jobs-employees-college-34952357

Creative Futures Academy (CFA) helping businesses equip their employees with the skills needed to thrive - Creative Futures Academy

Creative Futures Academy was delighted to feature in 'Business This Week' within The Irish Times as part of a special report on Attracting Excellence in Ireland. Our Director, Louise Allen, and our courses featured across multiple articles focusing on prioritising career development to attract talent, sustainability and EDI considerations and also exploring career stagnation with microcreds. With the growth in demand for creativity in all areas of work, the courses CFA offers benefit a wide range of sectors. “Creative and design-led approaches are essential in today’s workplace, driving innovation and growth. As experience economies rise, businesses must craft immersive, meaningful experiences that resonate with consumers”.

https://careersportal.ie/colleges/college_news_item.php?notice_id=4229&client_id=326

Online microcredentials: A response to meet the market's demand for soft skill - Open University of Catalonia, Phys.org

The demand for professionals with soft skills, such as effective communication, critical thinking and time management, is high in today's job market. "Soft skills are the personal and social skills that enable professionals to work effectively, both on their own or in teams. They're associated with personal behavior patterns and attitudes such as decision-making, time management and resilience. 

https://phys.org/news/2025-03-online-microcredentials-response-demand-soft.html

Micro credentials: Key to future of learning in era of AI, new tech - Rizal Raoul Reyes, Business Mirror

FUTURE-PROOFING the current crop of Filipino students is one major step to make them competitive in the digital economy dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). Moreover, by 2030, 30 percent of jobs in the Philippines will either be eased or displaced by AI. As such, micro credentials are arguably some of the best methods to empower the students in the digital economy currently being dominated by the said technology. Chair and CEO OF iPeople Inc. Dr. Reynaldo Vea said the government recognizes the importance of propagating micro credentials, as it provides more learning tools to students. These short-term learning courses aim to develop learners into being more productive and competent in current technologies like AI.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/03/22/micro-credentials-key-to-future-of-learning-in-era-of-ai-new-tech/

Personal Perspectives on Combining Traditional Degrees With Digital Credentials - Kelly Hoyland, Inside Higher Ed

These experiences from Nona, Laura and Chelsea underscore the profound impact of digital credentials in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application, offering tangible benefits from enhanced communication to accelerated career advancement. Bringing in the voices of learners and other stakeholders is one of the Six Steps for a Successful Credential Program, released by 1EdTech after a case study review. We are now beyond theoretical discussions and can engage directly with students and professionals, like those featured on the panel, in a way that truly serves the needs of today’s evolving workforce.

https://www.insidehighered/opinion/views/2025/03/20/combining-traditional-degrees-digital-credentials

Town offers internships for college students - Mid-Island Times

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the return of internship opportunities for college students who are looking to gain meaningful work experience. The Town will offer an internship program for the 2025 summer season. “Internships give students an advantage over other job seekers when it comes to work readiness, and I am proud that the Town will once again provide that opportunity for our residents,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “This internship program provides an invaluable opportunity for students to receive mentorship and supervision from experienced government professionals.” This program compensates students at a competitive rate of $18 an hour, and students will work 19.5 hours per week.

https://www.midislandtimes.com/articles/town-offers-internships-for-college-students-2/

Internship Competition Is Fierce. Here’s How Colleges Can Help Students Win Them - Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Forbes

Internships rank among the high-impact practices that provide immediate benefits to participants. Not only do internships allow students to explore industries, companies and roles that equip them to make more informed career decisions, they improve the likelihood that college graduates will find jobs that make use of their degrees. Despite rising interest in internships, new data reveals that only about half of recent college graduates said they had an internship while in school, while 12% of current students don’t expect to participate in an internship before they graduate. It’s not for lack of interest. Students say packed schedules, overwhelming course loads, a lack of opportunity, financial constraints and even location can make it difficult to secure an internship.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecruzvergara/2025/03/17/internship-competition-is-fierce-heres-how-colleges-can-help-students-win-them/

Sask Polytech to advance nuclear energy training opportunities - John Flatters, CTV News

Saskatchewan Polytech has signed a first of its kind memorandum of understanding (MOU) that hopes to make the province a leader in the nuclear sector. The MOU is with the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE). “It feels pretty good actually,” said Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “To be the first to sign this MOU with UNENE, we’re very proud of that.” The partnership hopes to address workforce gaps by transitioning skilled workers into the industry, or by providing upskilling opportunities within the sector.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon/article/sask-polytech-to-advance-nuclear-energy-training-opportunities/

CAI seeks proposals on online certificate programs - Sean Corp, the University of Michigan Record

The Center for Academic Innovation is accepting proposals for online certificate programs that equip learners with in-demand skills across industries. The certificate programs can be non-credit, for-credit, or stackable toward a degree and will be hosted on Michigan Online. Priority areas of interest include certificate programs that focus on artificial intelligence, and human, industry or technology skills. Proposals that integrate interdisciplinary concepts, emerging technologies, innovative learning approaches and industry partnerships are highly encouraged.

https://record.umich.edu/articles/cai-seeks-proposals-on-online-certificate-programs/

Mapúa Malayan Digital College launches certification programs for working students - Pamela Pascual, Daily Tribune

In celebration of National Working Students Day, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) launched the Career Leap Pad, a series of fully online certification programs aimed at equipping working students with specialized skills for the growing gig economy. The Philippines will mark its first-ever National Working Students Day on 21 March 2025, honoring students who balance work and education to support themselves. “The MMDC Career Leap Pad is designed for modern learners seeking to advance their careers despite setbacks in their college education. Through these certification programs, participants gain valuable microcredentials, serving as stepping stones to better opportunities,” MMDC Vice President Jenny Velasco-Chua said. Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/19/map%C3%BAa-malayan-digital-college-launches-certification-programs-for-working-students

https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/19/map%C3%BAa-malayan-digital-college-launches-certification-programs-for-working-students

ECIU University’s achievements stand out in a European Commission report - Global Education Report

At the end of January, The European Commission published a landmark report assessing the outcomes and potential of the European Universities Initiative. The report underscores the Initiative’s achievements, highlights its challenges, and sets a course for future policy and investment to ensure its continued success. ECIU University stands out prominently in the report; it is referenced 97 times for its best practices and achievements. The findings affirm ECIU University’s pioneering role in shaping the future of European higher education.

https://qs-gen.com/eciu-universitys-achievements-stand-out-in-a-european-commission-report/

New Yale Certificate For Professionals To Lead Transition To Safer Chemicals And Processes - Shiksha Study Abroad

Yale University has launched a nine-month Green Chemistry for Climate and Sustainability Certificate Program. Bataua Fund supported this program and it is designed for those who want to develop their understanding of green engineering principles and green chemistry to minimize the undesired environmental and biological impacts of chemicals in industrialized nations and the Global South and to mitigate climate change. Paul Anastas, the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment and director of CGCG said, “The challenges that we're facing in the world around sustainability, climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, all come down to the chemicals, the materials, the molecules that are the basis of our society and our economy. Green chemistry is not just understanding the problems, it's identifying and implementing the solutions."

https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/news/new-yale-certificate-for-professionals-to-lead-transition-to-safer-chemicals-and-processes-articlepage-193368

Unis and industry unite to close critical tech skills gap - Financial Review

Industries across Australia are facing an urgent need for specialised workforce training as rapid technological advancements, shifting sustainability demands and evolving healthcare needs reshape the job market. Skills shortages in these sectors are threatening to stall innovation and economic growth, forcing businesses to rethink how they upskill their employees. Universities are stepping in to bridge this gap, developing targeted training programs that align closely with industry needs to ensure businesses can keep pace with these changes.

https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/unis-and-industry-unite-to-close-critical-tech-skills-gap-20250312-p5lizn

Micro-credentials offer new opportunities for students to showcase experience - Whitney Baxter, Iowa State

Students involved with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program can earn micro-credentials by participating in hands-on workshops, completing real-world experiential learning opportunities and enhancing their career-readiness skills. But what are micro-credentials, exactly? Micro-credentials are short, focused programs that allow students “to gain and showcase specific skills or knowledge through various learning experiences,” according to Iowa State University’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. “Micro-credentials help students stand out in the job market,” said Amy Mendee, CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program coordinator. “Along with the digital badges students can display on their LinkedIn accounts, micro-credentials provide an extra layer of proof that students have the skills needed to be successful in the job they’re applying for.”

https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/2025/micro-credentials-offer-new-opportunities-students-showcase-experience

WHO Academy launches six online courses ahead of World TB Day 2025

In the lead up to World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has re-launched a suite of six online courses under its new e-learning platform, WHO Academy, that are designed to strengthen global capacity to combat TB through enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, treatment and social support systems. These courses, developed by WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Programme, provide critical knowledge and practical skills to health workers, laboratory experts, programme managers and policy makers worldwide. 

https://www.who.int/indonesia/news/detail/14-03-2025-who-academy-launches-six-online-courses-ahead-of-world-tb-day-2025

Talent and Culture provides professional development resources to all employees - Mountaineer News

Trainings are designed to enhance organizational effectiveness and positively impact employee engagement, and are available in several formats to accommodate different learning styles and preferences. Formats include the following:

eLearning courses, which are online, on-demand and self-paced.

Microlearning courses, which are short online courses focused on one learning objective.

Recorded webinars, which are past recorded courses with a virtual facilitator.

Live training sessions, which are in-person or virtual and instructor-led.

Course topics include effective performance management, communication, customer service, building a strong team and more.

https://enews.wvu.edu/articles/2025/03/13/talent-and-culture-provides-professional-development-resources-to-all-employees

Beyond Transfer: Insights from a Survey of American Adults - Public Agenda

Nearly four in ten respondents (39 percent) have tried to transfer credits toward earning higher education credentials. Among those, most tried to transfer credits toward earning a bachelor’s degree and nearly half have done so within the past five years. One-quarter of respondents who have tried to transfer credits say they were able to transfer only a few or none of the credits they earned and 37 percent found the process of trying to transfer credits to be difficult. More white than Black or Latino respondents say they transferred all or most of their credits and more say the process of transferring credits was easy. The most often cited reason credits were unable to transfer is because the college being transferred to did not accept or recognize the credits, work experience, or prior learning. Most respondents who have tried to transfer credits report negative experiences, including one in five who had to repeat classes they had already taken.

https://publicagenda.org/resource/beyond-transfer/

Funding Student Success: Eliminating Transportation Barriers - Ashley Mowreader, Inside Higher Ed

Grant funding for green programs will support clean transportation offerings for a North Carolina community college, as well as skilled trades training for green jobs.  Even for students who do have access to their own transportation, research from Florida Atlantic University found a connection between poor mental health of commuter students and their likelihood to be in a car crash, which could further impact students’ retention and completion, as well as their mental and physical health. The new vans will provide accessible transportation for students to participate in curricular and extracurricular activities, as well as increase access for residents to engage in the new skilled trades program launching at GTCC, Clarke says.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/college-experience/2025/03/13/electric-vans-get-college-students-campus

Small is beautiful for learners tackling microcredentials - Rob Telfer, FE Week

The global Micro-credentials Courses Market size expanded rapidly in 2024 and will grow substantially by 2032, according to Business Research Insights‘ analysis. A YouGov survey of almost 4,000 UK graduates found most of those who paid higher tuition fees are significantly more likely to feel that the cost of their education was bad value for money. The poll is just the latest symptom of a growing trend where students are increasingly turning away from the traditional three and four-year university programmes in favour of other further education options.

https://feweek.co.uk/small-is-beautiful-for-learners-tackling-microcredentials/

Master's in Natural Language Processing - Dublin City University

This master's degree combines the disciplines of artificial intelligence, linguistics, and computer science, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of natural language processing and its applications. Students will be taught by leading academics who have extensive experience in natural language processing, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The programme features a series of guest lectures delivered by industry experts in natural language processing, as well as practicum supervision, ensuring students gain practical experience in this rapidly growing field. The nine-month intensive curriculum builds upon the students' prior background in computer science, preparing them for successful careers in this dynamic and transformative industry.

https://www.dcu.ie/engineeringandcomputing/news/2025/mar/masters-natural-language-processing

First UK courses in Agricultural Communications open for applications - Farming.co

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) will teach students on its new online micro-credentials courses how to tailor their messages for different audiences and to track their impact, including how to get the most out of social media. Course lecturer Dr Jeff Miller, a tenured professor of agricultural communications at the University of Arkansas, said: "Agricultural communications courses have been established in the United States for a number of years and I think there's a growing need for the discipline to be introduced in the UK. "One of the keys to strengthening the agriculture industry in the UK lies in communicating about its national importance and about the industry's commitment to improving both the economic and environmental aspects of producing food." 

https://farming.co.uk/news/first-uk-courses-in-agricultural-communications-open-for-applications