$650,000 will help learners access “new opportunities in growing sectors”
NAIT’s micro-credentials programming has received a boost thanks to new provincial funding.
On Sept. 23, the Government of Alberta announced $650,000 over two years to develop new micro-credential programs at NAIT to help learners upskill and reskill in three in-demand program areas.
“Micro-credentials offer a way for Albertans to quickly validate specific skills or knowledge that employers value, leading to meaningful careers,” says Laura Jo Gunter, president and CEO.
“Reskilling and upskilling is a vital part of keeping Albertans in the workforce in a changing economy. We’re thrilled to receive funding to continue developing micro-credentials that meet the needs of industry and Albertans.”
Skills for Alberta’s recovery
The programs selected by the government align with the priority industries outlined in Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
“NAIT is committed to developing the talent needed in Alberta and micro-credentials is one of the pathways Albertans need,” says Peter Leclaire, vice-president academic.
“Micro-credentials can help individuals pivot in their careers into growing sectors of the economy and potentially shorten an individual’s pathway into new opportunities in growing sectors. They can also help employers quickly address skills gaps in their workforce.”
In 2022-23, provincial funding will be allocated for the development of micro-credentials in:
Construction Leadership and Supervision ($250,000) – giving learners the leadership and supervision skills required to meet industry demands. Learners can earn a Supervision and Leadership Certificate that can also lead to completing other programs, such as the Construction Engineering Technology diploma.
Intellectual Property ($50,000) – giving learners a competitive edge in Alberta’s entrepreneurial and innovation system across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, energy, food agriculture and many more.
In 2023-24, funding will be allocated for the development of micro-credentials in:
Point of Care Ultrasound ($350,000) – expanding skill sets of health-care practitioners who might use ultrasound to diagnose issues wherever a patient is being treated. Practitioners who complete all seven micro-credentials will be awarded a certificate in Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma.
These programs add to NAIT’s current offerings of 24 micro-credentials in automation, business continuity, productivity and equity, diversity and inclusion.
The investment is part of the Province’s Alberta at Work initiative, designed to help Albertans develop new skills and grow their careers.