PowerED™ and the Faculty of Science and Technology awarded grant funding to develop new micro-credentials

“Expanding micro-credential learning opportunities will allow Albertans to quickly develop the job-ready skills they need to progress in their careers, re-enter the workforce, or pivot to a new profession. These programs are responsive to the needs of our diversifying economy and will ensure employers have access to the talent they need to continue growing,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education.

Partnering with industry experts, the funding will go towards the development of three new online, on-demand micro-credentials including Innovative and Diversified Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency in Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry, and Ethics and Artificial Intelligence.

Two of the micro-credential offerings will be developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Technology at AU, revolutionizing micro-learning and paving new ways for micro-credentials to be applied towards undergraduate degrees.

“Receiving over a million dollars in funding from the Government of Alberta will allow PowerED™ to continue to develop innovative courses and programs that suit the changing and growing needs of our learners and the workforce in Alberta,” said PowerED™ director, Jessica Butts Scott.

“We are thankful to have been selected as one of the successful recipients and look forward to the micro-learning opportunities and connections we will build as a result of this funding.”

The micro-credentials being pursued will contribute to the Alberta workforce and provide relevant and transformative skills needed for Alberta’s future—aligning with the goals laid out in the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs report and Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

“The Faculty of Science and Technology is honoured to receive this funding to support two new micro-credentials in innovative energy resources, and energy efficiency in architecture, engineering, and construction,” said Dr. Shauna Zenteno, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology.

“Learners will be able to obtain relevant skills in key priorities areas of employment. These micro-credentials will ladder into our BSc programs, creating additional opportunities to continue learning in a flexible and accessible way.”

PowerED’s award-winning, on-demand approach to the online learning experience includes a mix of multi-media (videos, podcasts) interactive tools, case studies, gamification, competency assessment, downloadable materials, and AI simulations for assessment. Micro-courses are designed to be flexible and can be accessed from any device that connects to the internet.

PowerED™ has already begun planning and implementation towards the new micro-courses and looks forward to launching towards the end of 2021.

To learn more about PowerED™ or explore current micro-learning courses and programs, visit PowerED.ca. To learn more about the new micro-credentials, visit the micro-credential landing page.

Read the Government of Alberta press release.