Rake in New Skills with the Ontario Micro-credentials Portal
Fall marks a season of transition: a new academic year, a shift to shorter days, and a chance to imagine what comes next. As the calendar turns, it prompts us to reflect on how we must adapt to perpetual currents of change – both in our personal lives and in response to broader transformations reshaping society at large.
With industries in flux and trade tensions at a high, Canadians must steer through times of economic uncertainty by developing the skills needed to turn immediate setbacks into long-term capabilities.
In this article, we profile micro-credentials offered by Ontario postsecondary institutions designed to help learners and workers prepare for the road ahead. We highlight upskilling and reskilling opportunities in manufacturing, where job losses, production cuts, and export declines are already being felt. We also spotlight training courses that equip tomorrow’s workforce with the skills needed to build sustainable and resilient pathways for living, working, and managing change.
The future favours those ready to adapt. What new skills will you rake in this fall?
Building Resilient Manufacturing Leaders
Global tariffs continue to strain export-reliant supply chains, especially in automotive, steel, and aluminum hubs. Despite these pressures, Ontario remains vital to Canada’s manufacturing base, with the sector employing over 10% of the province’s workforce.
The Manufacturing Leadership micro-credential—developed by three Ontario colleges and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)—equips current and future leaders to boost efficiency, build inclusive teams, and ensure safe workplaces. The six-course, online program is fully asynchronous and is open for registration.
For front-line workers, Conestoga College’s Introduction to Quality Manufacturing teaches quality assurance through courses in statistics, process capability, and measurement systems. It supports transitions into inspection and quality control roles. Fall courses are underway; winter registration opens November 3rd.
Brock University’s Supervisory Skills in Advanced Manufacturing micro-credential helps aspiring team leads and managers develop communication, motivation, and continuous improvement strategies. This online, self-paced program starts October 6th, November 10th, or January 19th.
These targeted micro-credentials help workers build sector-relevant and transferable skills while enabling employers to train staff for today’s evolving workplace. Explore more manufacturing micro-credentials by visiting our Manufacturing spotlight here.
Powering a Sustainable Future
Alongside building leadership capacity in sectors like manufacturing, Ontario’s micro-credential programs are building the foundation for a greener economy and a more sustainable future.
McMaster University’s Sustainability program offers global insights into environmental responsibility across individuals, communities, and businesses. Learners complete three of the following four online courses to earn a certificate: Principles of Sustainability, Practices of Sustainable Living, Practices for Sustainable Business, and Responsible Production and Consumption. The next intake begins October 20th; more courses start November 24th.
For a blended option, the University of St. Michael’s College offers a four-week micro-credential on Climate Equity combining web lectures, self-directed learning, and in-person workshops. Sessions run October 9, 15, 23, and 30.
Managing Organizational Change
To make change stick, it is critical to build strong cultures and resilient teams that can embrace shifting priorities.
The University of Guelph’s Managing Through Change is a 15-hour, online course that helps leaders guide teams through uncertainty using proven models and communication strategies. This course runs from November 10th; registration is open until December 17th.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s Project Change Management teaches change control planning, tools, and response strategies. This 8-hour course begins October 8th.
Canadore College’s Adaptability and Resiliency Skills is a 5-hour, flexible online course designed to help professionals manage stress and adapt to change. Learners can enrol anytime.
Learn More
To explore over 2,600 more micro-credential programs and learn how eCampusOntario can help you develop in-demand skills, visit MicroLearnOntario.ca.
References
Keep Calm and Keep Training – 2025 Manufacturing Workforce Report — CME
U.S. tariffs spare most Canadian exports but hit key sectors – RBC