Making it easier to build job-ready skills

Micro-credentials are short-term, flexible learning programs designed to help Albertans develop the specialized, job-ready skills they need to quickly re-skill or upskill to pivot in their careers or re-enter the workforce.

The Micro-credential Pilot Program is a partnership with industry, employers and post-secondary institutions to create dozens of new micro-credential programs in priority sectors and high-demand emerging industries. People can access dozens of new programs – from animation to sustainable energy technology – in fall 2021. Contact your post-secondary institution for more information and to apply.

A successful pilot program will serve as a model to support and expand future micro-credential programs and develop a framework that meets individual and industry needs across the province.

This initiative is a key part of the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy by providing more students with flexible and innovative learning opportunities.

Next steps

  • Most micro-credential programs will be open for enrollment in fall 2021.
  • Albertans can reach out to post-secondary institutions for more information and to apply.
  • If successful, this pilot will serve as a model to expand the program to new careers and industries.

Key goals

  • Grade 1
    Empowering Albertans

    Micro-credentials are innovative and flexible learning options that meet specific industry needs, and allow people to quickly pivot in their careers, re-enter the workforce, or effectively upskill while having the freedom to maintain their current lifestyle.

    Those who wish to access these opportunities should contact their post-secondary institutions.

  • Grade 2
    Supporting job creators

    These new micro-credential programs ensure employers have access to the specialized skills and talent they need to grow their business and compete in a rapidly-changing economy.

    They also enable employers to nurture and grow their existing talent by providing the workforce with flexible and effective ways to further advance or develop their skills, while maintaining their employment.

  • Grade 3
    Strengthening collaboration

    This initiative connects education to jobs and builds collaboration between industry and educators to ensure programs are responsive to the needs of both learners and employers.

    By aligning micro-credential learning opportunities with Alberta’s priority industry sectors, we are helping industry develop the talent they need, connecting Albertans to jobs, and helping to build key partnerships between post-secondary institutions, industry and employers.

Micro-credential programs

This pilot program will provide people from across the province with access to 56 different micro-credential programs, in partnership with 19 post-secondary institutions. Many programs will be available this year, with some opening for enrolment in 2022.

Examples of micro-credential programs include:

  • machine learning and artificial intelligence
  • intelligent supply chain
  • leadership in future technology
  • animation
  • permaculture design
  • solar energy
  • strategic sustainability and sustainable energy technology
  • creative industry talent accelerator
  • health technology
  • software development
  • tourism and hospitality management
  • agri-business
  • data privacy and security
  • blockchain fundamentals

Key partner industries

New programs will be targeted towards key partner industries identified in Alberta’s Recovery Plan:

  • Energy
  • Agriculture and forestry
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Culture
  • Technology
  • Aviation
  • Aerospace and logistics
  • Finance and financial technology (fintech)

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