Microcredentials
Microcredentials help fill skills gaps in the workforce. They’re developed collaboratively between post-secondary education institutions and employers or industry groups in response to rapidly changing demands in the labour force.
A microcredential is a recognition of assessed competencies or skills that you earn through a short learning experience. Microcredentials align with labour market, employer or community needs. They can stand alone or connect to other credentials.
Why microcredentials matter
Right now, the labour market is changing. People need access to new skills and employers need access to people with the skills they need. Microcredentials help fill skills gaps in the workforce. They’re developed collaboratively between post-secondary education institutions and employers or industry groups in response to rapidly changing demands in the labour force.
Benefits of microcredentials
Benefits for learners
Microcredentials provide learners with:
- opportunities for individuals to quickly access learning that’s relevant and recognized by employers
- flexibility for learners to take individual courses as needed
- another training option for Nova Scotians to prepare for new jobs and career changes
Benefits for employers and industry
Microcredentials provide employers and industry with:
- help finding critical skillsets
- training current and future employees quickly
- the ability to be agile and responsive to new occupational requirements
Benefits for post-secondary institutions and training providers
Microcredentials are an opportunity for post-secondary education institutions and training providers to:
- provide students with competencies and skills relevant to the labour market
- provide flexible, short learning experiences for students
- encourage lifelong learning
Microcredentials framework
The Nova Scotia Microcredentials Framework supports a coordinated and consistent approach to microcredentials across post-secondary institutions. It also provides clarity and transparency for learners and employers.
Many post-secondary education and industry partners supported the development of the framework. Partners helped make sure that the framework can guide the development and delivery of microcredentials, while allowing microcredential providers to be innovative, agile, responsive and quick to market.
Development and delivery of microcredentials
Post-secondary institutions can make sure learners have access to quality, relevant micro-credentials by collaborating with employers and industry groups to identify current gaps in the labour force and developing programming to meet those needs.
If you provide microcredentials and can help learners upgrade their competencies and skills, contact microcredentials@novascotia.ca.