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Are microcredentials the future of learning?

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Mar 16, 2023

The pace of change in jobs and education continues to accelerate as we move further into the digital age. The idea of undertaking a university degree or structured course that will then set you up for a career is fast becoming obsolete. In fact, some commentators believe that in the current changing world many university degrees may only be relevant for 3-5 years before the information learned will become outdated.

An emerging solution for employers and employees to some of these challenges are microcredentials. Microcredentials are short certified courses or mini qualifications that provide learners with a digital certification or a digital badge once completed. The courses allow people to learn new skills very quickly at TAFE or university level.

These bite sized courses must fit standards set out in the National Microcredentials Framework which has been overseen by the Australian Government. The standards include the following outline for course requirements:

  • Run for at least an hour and up to several months
  • Have a clear industry-based learning outcome
  • Test knowledge through at least one assessment like an exam or essay

The study can be focussed on hard skills (for example digital marketing, cyber security for small business) or soft skills (for example leadership skills, problem-solving). Going forward the currency these courses carry with employers is expected to increase substantially.

Undertaking a microcredentials course offers lots of benefits to employers and employees alike. They aren’t as time intensive and can provide very targeted learning. They are generally less expensive than a long course and in some cases there is HELP government funding available. There is flexibility in learning models and the training is being delivered by TAFE or at University level.

If you are an employer next time you see a short course on a resume explore a little further whether it is a microcredential, which may add weight to the application. If you are an employee or job seeker, why not explore what microcredentials could be available to you to quickly upskill or prepare you further for the future of work….

Further resources can be found in the following links:

https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-publications/resources/national-microcredentials-framework

https://www.open.edu.au/advice/insights/what-are-microcredentials

https://www.training.com.au/ed/how-micro-credentials-can-benefit-you/#why-are-micro-credentials-important

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