The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in new opportunities for learners to gain new skills and competencies. Oshawa’s post-secondary institutions – Durham College, Ontario Tech University, and Trent University Durham GTA – have developed new micro-credentialing programming to meet the needs of a dynamic economy and promote lifelong learning.
Micro-credentials are short programs that focus on developing highly focused competencies and skill sets in demand by industry. The credentials are primarily intended to assist those who are under-employed, displaced or facing changes in the workplace caused by the disruptions of Covid-19.
Oshawa’s post-secondary institutions are working to develop more micro-credentials and expand their offerings.
“Accelerated by Covid-19, our global economy is evolving rapidly,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “With these dynamic changes comes an increased demand for new skill sets throughout a professional career and a flexible approach to new skill development. Oshawa’s post-secondary institutions are meeting that challenge with an innovative approach to micro-credentialing. These industry recognized programs are market-driven and will play a significant role in our economic recovery.”
Durham College
Micro-credentials at Durham College are programs developed in consultation with industry partners. To complete a given program, students must demonstrate their mastery of the competencies and skills by fulfilling assessments that closely mirror real-world situations. Delivery of each credential is flexible wherever possible (e.g., online, compressed, evenings and/or weekends), and, in some cases, micro-credentials can be stacked for individuals to use as opportunities for higher level credentials. Those completing the programs receive a digital credential, which can be included in a LinkedIn profile, resume, or other types of social media. Durham College offers micro-credentials in a variety of discipline areas, such as:
- Business
- Cannabis Industry
- Community Services
- Cybersecurity
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Media/Arts/Design
- Medical Technology
- Trades
Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University, in partnership with TD Canada Trust, is providing 1,000 free micro-credentials across 24 different transferrable skills central to workplace success such as critical thinking, challenging cultural biases, story-telling and strengthening relationships. Ontario Tech offers customized, self-guided learning plans to provide flexibility. The university is expanding their offerings with new micro-credentials in online entrepreneurship, which is expected to launch this spring. In addition to the TD program, Ontario Tech offers a micro-credential that are open to current students and community members through their Continuous Learning program. Programs in Health Sciences are developed in collaboration with Lakeridge Health. All micro-credentials are awarded with a digital credential, which can be uploaded to social media including LinkedIn.
Health Sciences offerings include:
- Donning and doffing PPE
- Feeding
- Infection Control Precautions during an outbreak
- Safely transferring an injured patient
Faculty of Education offerings include:
- Teaching Math and Coding
Brilliant Catalyst offerings include:
- Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
Trent University Durham GTA
Trent University Durham GTA is consulting with internal faculty experts and external industry partners to understand the various skills needed across the community. In collaboration with eCampusOntario, Trent University launched an Empowered Educators initiative, which offers six micro-credential modules to build critical skills for online educators. Additional micro-credentials are under development in collaboration with local industries. The current labour market analysis will uncover more needs in terms of upskilling or reskilling, and matching that need with faculty expertise, will ensure micro-credential development will extend the type of high-quality training opportunities that are required. Trent is actively working to offer micro-credentials to the public and its students and will be sharing more information about explicit offerings in the near future.