The University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College are among the post-secondary schools to receive funding for the creation of micro-credential programs. (Images: U of L and Lethbridge College)

By David Opinko

Updates from U of L and Lethbridge College

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

Sep 22, 2022 | 2:15 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

Lethbridge College says in a statement to LNN that they see value in micro-credentials as a flexible, affordable way to teach skills that support workers and the provincial economy.

They will use their funding to develop five programs over the next two years:

• Launching in 2022-23: Indigenous policing, trades math
• Launching 2023-34: Introduction to game design, character design and animation, level design and environment

A spokesperson with the University of Lethbridge said they have not yet determined which micro-credential courses they will be offering, but believe that it will be an important initiative.

“Investments in post-secondary education, including the Alberta government’s initiative to encourage the creation of micro-credential programs, are important in giving our learners a leg up in acquiring the skills they need to be successful in today’s rapidly changing world. We look forward to learning more about the specifics of today’s announcement in the days ahead,” reads a statement from the U of L.

Other micro-credential programs across the province 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.

READ MORE: Lethbridge College and U of L react to “Alberta 2030” post-secondary plan

READ MORE: Premier’s Council on Skills to advise on post-secondary programming