Microcredentials are the Future of Education

The sole purpose of why we acquire education is to become job-ready for the market. From taking apprenticeships to becoming skilled traders, we have evolved to college learning which prepares us for specific roles.

As market and work functions evolve, the method of learning must change too. Educational institutes in Canada, and across the globe realize that traditional education is no longer enough, and that students feel stifled with classroom training that spans years.

Microcredentials are a result of modern day learning requirements that fit well in today’s competitive market. Considered the best medium for continuous training, it’s equally beneficial to the future workforce and global organizations. This is why 2019 saw a massive 110 million students enrol for a microcredential.

We need upgraded learning

While Canada has always had a robust education system, there’s a need for action to match up to the changing economy. Demand for skilled labor is on the rise, and according to a report by the Royal Bank of Canada, more than half the population needs upskilling to enjoy long-term stability in their jobs.

This concern is not just limited to Canada, it also impacts their neighbouring nation as well. When the town of Janesville in Wisconsin, US, lost its General Motors (GM) plant in 2008, a vast majority of workers turned to the local community college to get a degree, but only half of them managed to complete it. The concern here was not the lack of interest, but rather the two-years of committed, continuous learning that was required. Going back to school is a luxury, but when the market is volatile, it can be a risky move with debilitating results. On the other hand, we are also in the midst of another technological evolution, and the workforce must prepare itself for the jobs of the future.

Microcredentials act like a bridge between the two requirements as they are fast, specific and skills-based. They narrow down the needs of employees to match the current job market, and only cover applicable skillsets which make them the perfect fit.

Why microcredentials are the future

Microcredentials and badges are a pathway to an empowered workforce that’s skilled and job-ready. They fit in seamlessly with the current Canadian workforce that mostly consists of youngsters who are diving into the market just when technology is making a huge impact.

According to Dave McKay, President and CEO of RBC: “Canada is on the brink of a skills revolution, and we have a responsibility to prepare young people for the opportunities and ambiguities of the future.”

The learning mediums followed by the previous generation don’t match the growing needs of modern businesses. Microcredentials create a high standard of education, but also positively impact employment opportunities.

As Canada is looking into its current productivity gap, it must reassess its outlook towards education. Even the government of Canada is doing its part with their initiative to fund 50% of education for skilled workers. This, in turn, can make short courses affordable for ordinary people.

The benefits of microcredentials

There are many benefits of microcredentials, but the greatest advantage they carry is the direct impact on industry roles. As the preferred option for line managers and human resource development (HRD) professionals, these badges are highly competency specific.

This means that while traditional education is vast and relies on a knowledge-based assessment system, microcredentials only target skills needed for employment. The knowledge gained is directly applicable to the job role, and after completion of the program, you are awarded a digital badge.

Candidates are recognized for their ability to complete a task successfully and graded accordingly. These programs are low in cost, and while you earn a digital badge upon completing them, you also get a certificate upon the successful completion of a set of programs.

Students can easily display these digital badges on LinkedIn and other digital profiles to attract recruiters’ attention. The fact that you can simply earn a badge with 3 to 30 hours of learning at highly cost-effective prices, truly makes microcredentials an asset.

Professionals aiming to give their career a much-needed boost through microcredentials can enrol on a range of diploma and certificate programs offered by the Toronto School of Management (TSoM). This college is an established name in education and has partnered with impressive learning partners such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educate, the Digital Marketing Institute, Oracle Hospitality, Salesforce Trailhead, Quickbooks and The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and Tableau to help students earn microcredentials. You can also gain relevant expertise by enrolling and become a proficient professional within your field – so sign up today!