Micro credentials are working for employees and employers

With growing skepticism of the standard 4-year post-secondary education, it’s efficacy within the modern workplace, and ROI. Businesses are embracing alternative certifications and credentials, according to The Wall Street Journal;

’Micro-credentials would give students more career options and deepen preparation for their intended careers. In this way, a student working toward a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management could also complete a certificate in culinary arts, and an architecture student could add a professional certificate in one of the construction trades.’

The use of micro-credentialing is already expanding, and popular with those looking to broaden their skillsets. Increasingly businesses are embracing the strategy that a prospective employee might be able to ‘stack’ their credentials in place of searching for suitable candidates with specific?university degrees. According to this BBC article; ‘The idea is that it would be more accessible and provide a more affordable – perhaps more targeted – path into employment’.

In terms of the ever-looming problem of the skills gap, have arisen as a solution to allow the workforce to develop and demonstrate skills, knowledge and/or experience in a particular subject. In this Forbes article; Kyle Shea, EVP of Partnership Development at All Campus states; “When designed correctly, micro-credentials are flexible, portable and cost-effective to implement. They can help boost employee engagement and support employers by promoting a culture of lifelong learning while providing a map for an employee’s career path”.

The SACA vision is to provide highly affordable, accessible certifications that significantly increase the number of individuals who possess the skills represented by these credentials, thereby ensuring companies have the highly skilled workers they need, and individuals are prepared to be successful in an Industry 4.0 world.