Micro-credentials Get GOA Go Ahead

Northwestern Polytechnic receives funding to grow micro-credential programming.

Northwestern Polytechnic’s micro-credential portfolio is about to see sizable growth. Last week, the Alberta Government announced they would be providing the province’s newest polytechnic with $657,000 to advance the latest trend in flexible learning options. 

“Micro-credentials are short-term, flexible learning programs designed to help students develop the specialized, job-ready skills they need to quickly re-skill or upskill in their careers or re-enter the workforce,” explains Dr. Vanessa Sheane, Provost and Vice President Academic. “This timely funding boost will enable us to expand our curriculum development and programming in this up-and-coming space.” 

Northwestern Polytechnic ventured into this relatively new learning domain this past winter. The institution partnered with Western Cree Tribal Council and successfully delivered its first ever micro-credential focused on Early Learning and Child Care in early January. The polytechnic has been eager to add more programming to the mix since then.

“Our Continuing Education department is committed to reaching out and working with our surrounding communities and industry experts to advance these micro-credentials,” says Dr. Carly McLeod, Dean, School of Business. “It’s exciting to discover how this type of learning can empower students to seek out further qualifications and broaden their career paths.” 

Northwestern Polytechnic will use the Government of Alberta funding for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 fiscal years. The plan is to begin rolling out new micro-credential programming as early as Winter 2023. Students can expect to see micro-credential offerings in the following areas:

• Remote Piloted Aircraft
• Bovine Ultrasound
• Medical Office Administration
• Electric Vehicle Service
• Indigenous Health, Mental Health, and Addiction
• Master Electrician Certification
• Materials Handler
• Animal Care Aide

For more information about micro-credential or continuing education programming, please visit NWP.me/ContinuingEducation.