Micro-credentials in Saskatchewan
Micro-credentials are short, focused programs that teach specific knowledge, skills and competencies to help fill skills gaps in the workforce. These programs are often developed collaboratively between post-secondary education institutions and employers or industry groups in response to rapidly changing demands in the labour force.
The information below explains how micro-credentials benefit learners, employers and post-secondary institutions.
1. Learners
Micro-credentials provide learners with knowledge and skills in shorter timeframes, allowing them to upskill or reskill quickly without having to set aside two or three years as in a traditional certificate or diploma.
Micro-credentials are also an excellent complement to a learner's previous post-secondary education.
Students can pursue micro-credentials at the following Saskatchewan institutions:
- University of Regina Continuing Education Centre
- University of Saskatchewan Continuing Education
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic SURGE Micro-credentials
- First Nations University of Canada Indigenous Continuing Education Centre
- Southeast College
- North West College
- Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
2. Employers
Employers can use micro-credential qualifications to help fill skills gaps in the workforce by hiring new, qualified personnel, or quickly upskilling current employees.
Employers and industry groups can take an active role in the development of micro-credential programming by forming partnerships with post-secondary institutions and discussing specific labour market needs.
Saskatchewan's Guide to Micro-credentials provides more detailed information on how micro-credentials impact and benefit employers and industry groups.
Employers may be eligible for funding to support their employee training initiatives under the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant.
3. Post-Secondary Institutions
Micro-credentials are an opportunity for post-secondary education institutions to:
- provide students with skills and competencies relevant to the labour market;
- encourage lifelong learning;
- promote post-secondary education learning to a new demographic of learners; and
- develop new avenues for revenue generation.
Post-secondary institutions can ensure 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.
Saskatchewan's Guide to Micro-credentials provides institutions with a common foundation for understanding micro-credentials and a framework for developing and implementing new programming.