5 Courses That Help Learners Upskill for Emerging Sectors
In today’s rapidly evolving economy, staying ahead means continuously learning and adapting. Ontario’s Micro-credentials Portal offers short, flexible programs designed to help learners gain practical skills in high-demand industries. If you’re looking to future-proof your career, here are five standout micro-credentials that open doors to emerging sectors.
1. Deploying AI
The Data Sciences Institute designed Deploying AI to empower working professionals and graduate learners with the skills to bring machine learning models—especially LLMs—into the real world. This hands-on microcredential focuses on the technical know-how and practical strategies needed to take AI from prototype to production. Whether you’re aiming to innovate in industry, accelerate research, or modernize government systems, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to deploy generative AI at scale. Learn how to evaluate models, craft effective prompts, and navigate deployment frameworks—skills that are in high demand and at the forefront of the AI revolution.
2. Cyber Security Fundamentals
Cyber crime is on the rise as we continue to shift towards a digital world, leading to the increasing need for Cybersecurity experts who can effectively combat these attacks. This program will provide the fundamentals needed to take on this challenge, a career in Cybersecurity. Key concepts covered include security fundamentals, organizational defense strategies, testing methodologies, forensic investigative tools, and vulnerabilities of wireless networks.
3. Nuclear Career Accelerator Program
The Nuclear Career Accelerator Program prepares mid-career engineers and technical professionals from the oil and gas, manufacturing, infrastructure, and other industries to transition seamlessly into high-demand nuclear roles. The program provides learners with a robust set of technical skills aligned with market demands to prepare participants for career transitions into the nuclear sector. Job readiness is a core focus of the program with a comprehensive suite of career support services, including 1:1 coaching. This program ensures learners are job-ready to fill critical roles, reinforcing Canada’s leadership in clean energy and global nuclear innovation. Courses have been developed in collaboration with leading industry experts and offer practical skills training and valuable industry insights. Learners will receive a University Certificate upon successful completion
4. Regional Health Senior Leadership Program
The Regional Health Senior Leadership Program is designed for healthcare leaders who are looking to enhance their ability to respond to the rapidly changing health care landscape in Eastern Ontario.
5. Intro to Biomanufacturing
This course is the first in a series of micro-credentials that will provide participants with foundational skills needed for the biomanufacturing sector. With a focus on the precision fermentation scale-up sector of the bioeconomy, this course will prepare participants for relevant entry-level positions within this industry. Biomanufacturing (synthetic biology) has been identified as a key growth sector of the economy in areas ranging from health, forestry and mining, and agriculture.
Find more on the Ontario Micro-credentials Portal
Ontario’s micro-credentials are more than short courses—they’re stepping stones into the future of work. Whether you’re interested in AI, cybersecurity, clean energy, healthcare innovation, or advanced manufacturing, these programs provide practical, employer-recognized skills that can accelerate your career.
Explore more opportunities at the Ontario Micro-credentials Portal.