(Red Deer Polytechnic)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta post-secondaries to create new “micro-credential” programs

Sep 22, 2022 | 3:44 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced funding for the creation of new micro-credential programs at post-secondary schools across the province.

A total of $8 million will support the development of 69 new micro-credential programs at 21 schools.

Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides says these will allow unemployed and under-employed Albertans to quickly re-skill or upskill and meet the ever-evolving needs of industries.

“Micro-credentials empower Albertans to develop the job-ready skills they need to be successful and build new careers, while ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow their business,” says Nicholaides. “I’m thrilled we’re able to expand this program in a meaningful way that supports our students, post-secondary institutions, employers and industry to secure Alberta’s future.”

The full list of post-secondary schools receiving funding for the creation of new micro-credential programs are as follows:

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• Athabasca University – $330,000
• Bow Valley College – $500,000
• Burman University – $72,000
• Keyano College – $47,250
• The King’s University – $192,000
• Lakeland College – $85,000
• Lethbridge College – $376,150
• MacEwan University – $112,500
• Mount Royal University – $235,501
• NAIT – $650,000
• NorQuest College – $613,012
• Northern Lakes College – $47,000
• Northwestern Polytechnic – $657,000
• Olds College – $216,000
• Portage College – $80,000
• Red Deer Polytechnic – $340,950
• SAIT – $595,000
• St. Mary’s University – $149,183
• University of Alberta – $1,142,500
• University of Calgary – $706,250
• University of Lethbridge – $838,750

Micro-credential programs will focus on:

• Agriculture and forestry
• Aviation, aerospace, and logistics
• Construction and manufacturing
• Culture and creative (TV/film)
• Early childhood care
• Energy
• Finance and fintech
• Health care
• Other
• Technology and innovation
• Tourism and hospitality

Micro-credential programs are part of the provincial government’s Alberta 2030 strategy, which aims to transform Alberta’s higher education system.

David Eggen, NDP Critic for Advanced Education, made the following statement on micro-credential funding within post-secondary:

“Alberta’s NDP supports micro-credential programs, but the UCP’s $8-million program is a tiny fraction of the $690 million worth of cuts they have imposed on post-secondary schools.

“At a time when businesses are struggling to find qualified employees to meet demand, the UCP has made it increasingly difficult for Albertans to advance their education or seek career training through generational cuts to post-secondary institutions. The misguided approach of Minister Nicolaides and the UCP over the past three years is stifling economic potential in Alberta today.

“An NDP government will put post-secondary education back within reach of hardworking Albertans and students. We will make post-secondary accessible, invest in Albertans seeking employment training, and support them to unlock the many opportunities created by a strong, resilient post-secondary system.”