Micro-Credential Program Available locally

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Courtesy: Government of Alberta

Alberta’s government is creating new opportunities for Albertans to develop the skills they need to be build new careers and secure Alberta’s future.

Advanced Education will invest $8 million over the next two years to fund new micro-credential programs. These short-term programs will create new opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Albertans to quickly re-skill or upskill in our changing economy. This will allow Albertans to better meet industry needs, re-enter the workforce and quickly pivot in their careers.

“Micro-credentials empower Albertans to develop the job-ready skills they need to be successful and build new careers, while ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow their business. I’m thrilled we’re able to expand this program in a meaningful way that supports our students, post-secondary institutions, employers and industry to secure Alberta’s future.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

“Micro-credentials help move Albertans through the shortest, most accessible route between learning and work. NorQuest has consulted extensively with industry partners to establish a streamlined micro-credential framework. This investment by the Government of Alberta ensures we have the resources to connect learner and industry demand to the future of work in our province and beyond.”

Carolyn Campbell, president and CEO, NorQuest College

“Thanks to this funding announcement, micro-credential learners will gain valuable aviation skills that can enhance employability in the sector, adding value to organizations and creating economic growth across the province.”

Gary Spencer, instructor, NorQuest College

The funding comes from the Alberta at Work initiative introduced in Budget 2022 and builds on the $5.6 million used to launch a micro-credential pilot program in 2021.

The new funding will support the development of 69 micro-credential programs at 21 post-secondary institutions across the province.

The programs will align with the priority industry sectors outlined in Alberta’s Recovery Plan, including health, technology, agri-business, aviation, veterinary medicine and software engineering, among others.

Micro-credential programs support the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy by providing students with flexible and innovative learning opportunities to help them develop skills for jobs.

The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy is a transformational vision and direction for Alberta’s higher education system, which will develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, strengthen innovation and commercialization of research, and forge stronger relationships between employers and post-secondary institutions.

Quick facts

  • Funding will be distributed among the following post-secondary institutions that submitted successful proposals:
    • Athabasca University – $330,000
    • Bow Valley College – $500,000
    • Burman University – $72,000
    • Keyano College – $47,250
    • The King’s University – $192,000
    • Lakeland College – $85,000
    • Lethbridge College – $376,150
    • MacEwan University – $112,500
    • Mount Royal University – $235,501
    • NAIT – $650,000
    • NorQuest College – $613,012
    • Northern Lakes College – $47,000
    • Northwestern Polytechnic – $657,000
    • Olds College – $216,000
    • Portage College – $80,000
    • Red Deer Polytechnic – $340,950
    • SAIT – $595,000
    • St. Mary’s University – $149,183
    • University of Alberta – $1,142,500
    • University of Calgary – $706,250
    • University of Lethbridge – $838,750
  • Funding will support micro-credential programs in the following sectors:
    • Agriculture and forestry – $298,050
    • Aviation, aerospace and logistics – $512,050
    • Construction and manufacturing – $924,150
    • Culture and creative (TV/film) – $330,000
    • Early childhood care – $242,000
    • Energy – $195,250
    • Finance and fintech – $603,250
    • Health care – $1,874,001
    • Other – $393,683
    • Technology and innovation – $2,399,070
    • Tourism and hospitality – $224,543

Keith Hopper, Trending 55