The micro-credential model is a system that allows individuals to practice and demonstrate mastery of specific skills and competencies. In an ever-evolving workplace, micro-credentials can be an effective training tool for jobseekers, and those already in the workforce, to adapt quickly to changing workplace needs and to upgrade skills.
Right now, is the time for all our programs to explore and act on the integration of micro-credentials to address current workforce needs. Micro-credentials will create an avenue to expedient skills training that is timely, meaningful, and verifiable. It will have an immediate effect on the end-user and for business and industry, while attracting new students to our programs. As new programs are conceived and constructed it would be wise to incorporate micro-credentialing into the design process. Using the micro-credential system as a framework to inform program design will benefit both the program and the students enrolling in the course.
To learn more about micro-credentials and it’s benefits I will be posting a YouTube workshop on how to do it, and sample ideas. We will review definitions, see examples of micro-credentials, and understand the differences between certificates, certifications, and credentials. The workshop will also explore organizations where micro-credentials are already in use, as well as review the recommendations on using micro-credentials from vanguard organizations such as SUNY and the European Commission EEA.
The following article sheds some light on the needs for micro-credentials as part of program design:
https://hechingerreport.org/more-students-start-earning-stackable-credentials-on-their-way-to-degrees/
This is the time to start looking at your programs and integrate micro-credentials as part of the career ladder. If you are coordinating programs, research appropriate micro-credentials to include within your program. If you are in the process of designing a new program, the inclusion of micro-credentials should be part of this design process not an after-thought.
Micro-credentials do not stop at third party credentials. They can also include your own creation of micro-credentials (SUNY’s micro-credential process is an example) and can include looking at your own noncredit to credit pathways (I will be doing another workshop on this topic). How can you partner with your noncredit department, or partner with other organizations offering noncredit programs, to strengthen your current programs? Or as a noncredit provider, how can you enhance your programs and add to your student’s toolkit by adding micro-credentials?
Some examples of embedded micro-credentials are presented below:
• A popular noncredit program after the pandemic is the Community Health Worker program. Depending on the state, it may lead to certification, and depending on the organization, it may include other micro-credentials, like Mental Health First Aid certification or First Aid CPR AED certification. Usually offered in noncredit, with the right partnership, this program can provide credits within a Human Services degree.*
• Any IT program can provide a wide-range of micro-credentials. Google, Microsoft, CISCO, Amazon and many more. Look at the job requirements. What type of credential would benefit your student when looking for employment?
• From the noncredit perspective, these principles are equally applied. What micro-credentials can you add to your program to make for a stronger candidate? Are you covering all the possible certifications that would help your student be the best candidate?
On a side note, but not less important, is third party certification fees. Any fees that you can include within your program costs will allow the student to maximize their scholarship aid. Can you include the certification prep guide and the test voucher within your fees? If you can, you should always keep that in mind when embedding micro-credentials. We need to start thinking of students as a whole (another upcoming blog topic – I am on a roll).
Closing
Workforce Warrior is an education blog, created by a workforce development professional with 20+ years in all areas of workforce development and college programming, including admissions, advising, career services and program development. The goal of Workforce Warrior is to pass on the knowledge collected over the years to fellow workforce and college professionals.
Look for upcoming content on topics within this post, as well as nuggets of wisdom in our Instagram and Facebook pages. Enhanced YouTube postings will be coming soon, with added content to the blogs.
Resources
• The State University of New York
o https://system.suny.edu/academic-affairs/microcredentials/
o https://system.suny.edu/academic-affairs/microcredentials/definitions/
• Article: Urgency of getting people back to work gives new momentum to “microcredentials”
o https://hechingerreport.org/more-students-start-earning-stackable-credentials-on-their-way-to-degrees/
• Working Paper: Stackable Credentials: Awards for the Future?
o https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/media/k2/attachments/stackable-credentials-awards-for-future.pdf
• European Commission view on micro-credentials
o https://ec.europa.eu/education/education-in-the-eu/european-education-area/a-european-approach-to-micro-credentials_en
• Article: The promise of micro-credentials? The road to recognition
o https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20210224114309588
• Article: Where next for universities and micro-credential?
o https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20201118105242280
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