Micro-credential
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Micro-credential Forum 2024

In February 2024, the annual Micro-credential Forum: Developing Tomorrow’s Workforce explored how institutions, employers, and eCampusOntario are working together to empower trailblazers, improve learner experiences, and prepare the future workforce to thrive. Thank you to all of those who attended. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Online Agenda        In-person Agenda

Micro-credential Forum 2024

Online Presentations

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Livestream

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Online Presentations – February 22, 2024

On February 22, Micro-credential Forum 2024 will be accessible virtually with online sessions. This online event is available at no-cost.

Panel

Partnerships, Programs, and Pathways: Global Perspectives on Micro-credential Development

Bringing together higher education thought leaders from Australia, Canada, and the United States, this panel explores the power of micro-credentials to remove barriers, promote career and community development, and expand access to lifelong and life-wide learning.

Panelists will shed light on questions such as: How can micro-credentials provide learning and career pathways for non-traditional students, including groups who have historically faced barriers to postsecondary education? How can critical workforce demands, including those in rural regions, be met through responsive micro-credentials that are built in partnership with communities and employers?

Drawing on their experience with program creation and management at various scales, panelists will also share practical advice for educators and industry professionals interested in developing micro-credentials in collaboration for the first time.

Photo of Renee Desmarchelier

Renee Desmarchelier

Associate Professor (Education and Humanities and Communication), University of Southern Queensland

Photo of A.J. Fraser

A.J. Fraser

Senior Project Manager,Micro-credentials, Cape Breton University

Photo of Bill Hughes

Bill Hughes

President and CEO,
Education Design Lab

In-Person Conference – February 29, 2024 (Globe and Mail Centre)

Date:
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Location:
Globe and Mail Centre, Toronto

Agenda

Micro-credential Forum 2024 will feature an immersive in-person experience. This year’s Forum will be a ticketed event with equity-based discounts for eCampusOntario member institutions, faculty, and students. Faculty, staff, and administrators of member institutions may also apply for a travel bursary to attend the Micro-credential Forum in person. Travel bursary applications close February 20, 2024, at 11:59pm ET.

This full day includes:

Panel on Transformative Technology icon

Research & Program Showcase

Speakers from across North America will join us to share stories of innovation in micro-credential design, delivery, and evaluation

Hybrid presentation icon

Live Panel Discussion

Sector experts will explore how public and private education providers can work together to better support career development at every age and stage of life.

Networking icon

Lunch Social and Networking Reception

A catered lunch social and post-event reception will provide opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and make new contacts.

In-Person: Special Presentation

Building a Future-Ready Workforce: How to Unlock Canada’s Highly Skilled Workforce and Build a More Inclusive Economy

Canada has one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world. And yet, employers still struggle to find the talent they need to grow. It’s clear that we are underutilizing the diverse, skilled workforce we already have, resulting in a double-sided drag on productivity, where companies aren’t tapping into the skills they need to grow their businesses, and Canadians aren’t unlocking their full economic and human potential. Everybody recognizes the importance of upskilling Canadian workers to fill new roles in high-demand sectors – and giving companies access to the talent they need to thrive in the global marketplace. But until now, there has been no pan-Canadian attempt to accomplish this task at scale – and in partnership and consultation with the companies who are searching for skilled employees.

That’s where Upskill Canada comes in. Upskill Canada is a new national talent platform that helps fast-growing companies access the talent they need to succeed while creating new career pathways for workers to rapidly transition into high-demand roles. Upskill Canada, supported by a $250 million investment over three years from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports 17 projects that will upskill 5,500 workers by the end of 2024.

Photo of Rhonda Barnet

Rhonda Barnet

CEO, Palette Skills

Photo of AJ Tibando

AJ Tibando

Chief Strategy Officer, Palette Skills

Featured Speakers

Photo of Kelly Archer

Kelly Archer

Director, Employment and Social Development Canada

Photo of Kelvin Bentley, PhD

Kelvin Bentley, PhD

Program Manager, Texas Credentials for the Future, University of Texas System

Photo of Lorrie Deschamps

Lorrie Deschamps

President, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute

Photo of Darian Kovacs

Darian Kovacs

Partner, Jelly Academy, Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and Chair, Digital Marketing Sector Council

Photo of Dr. Marilyn Herie,

Dr. Marilyn Herie, PhD RSW

Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer, Centennial College

Photo of Jake Hirsch-Allen

Jake Hirsch-Allen

Workforce Development and Skills Lead, LinkedIn

Conference Tracks

Sessions will focus on four guiding questions that are vital for preparing the future workforce to thrive.

Anticipating Labour Market
                    Demands icon

Anticipating Labour Market Demands


How can micro-credentials equip learners with the skills needed to secure employment in high-growth industries?

Building Partnerships icon

Building Partnerships


How can postsecondary institutions collaborate with industry and community organizations to co-create micro-credentials that are responsive to local needs?

Operationalizing and Scaling icon

Operationalizing and Scaling


How can educators secure resources and foster support to overcome implementation challenges, grow their programs, and get more graduates into jobs?

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Pathways and Laddering


How can micro-credentials interface with traditional credit systems and provide underserved groups with opportunities to continue lifelong learning?

Join us as we drive innovation in the higher education sector and work together to develop tomorrow’s workforce. Together, we’re getting people into programs, and then into jobs.

The Micro-credential Forum is made possible with funding by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Sponsored by