Spring into Skill Development with the Ontario Micro-credentials Portal
eCampusOntario’s Micro-credentials Portal contains over 2,500 short-duration training programs designed to support skill development, job transition, and career advancement across in-demand industries. In this article, we profile micro-credentials that address skill gaps commonly reported by employers and shine a spotlight on programs offered by Ontario colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes that strengthen critical labour market sectors in the province: health care and information technology.
Micro-credentials for Bridging Transferrable Skill Gaps
As part of a project exploring pathways to better connect employers with skilled talent, the Micro-credentials team at eCampusOntario facilitated in-person workshops and a survey with businesses across the country in 2024. We asked employers to identify skills that would help team members adapt to developments in their roles and make job seekers stronger potential employees.
Communication was consistently identified as a key skill shortage across sectors. Alongside technical knowledge, businesses need candidates who can relay ideas effectively, whether in writing or verbally. The Effective Workplace Communication Certificate at the University of Waterloo consists of six micro-credentials – Writing Essentials, Fundamentals of Technical Writing, Business and Marketing Writing, Interpersonal Communication, Mastering Public Speaking, and Keys to Effective Communication – designed to help learners master business communication. Topics covered in this series include strategies to enhance persuasion, build rapport, increase confidence, and translate complex information into clear, easily understood messages. Courses can be taken individually, and any four micro-credentials can be completed to earn a certificate. The next intake begins April 16th, and additional offerings are available throughout the summer.
Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential leadership competencies that can support the mobility of team members with technical expertise into people management positions, closing a skill gap identified by contributors to our project. Western University’s four-week Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, and Creativity micro-credential equips learners with the skills needed to identify and select problem-solving tools appropriate to a variety of situations. This course also helps learners understand the key drivers of people’s decisions, how and when to engage others in the decision-making process, and best practices for implementing strategies that can unlock organizational creativity. This micro-credential can be applied towards several certificates at Western University – an entry point into further leadership skill development. The next intake begins May 26th.
Project management was identified as a top technical skill required for navigating the changing nature of work. Algoma University’s Project Management Professional (PMP)® Exam Prep micro-credential was developed with the Project Management Institute. It provides the 35 hours of training needed to apply for PMP certification, an industry standard. This micro-credential is suitable for experienced professionals interested in career transition and job seekers wanting to obtain a formal credential to validate their skills and experience. The program is offered online, both as a self-paced and instructor-led course, and has regular monthly intakes.
Micro-credentials for Enhancing Patient Care
Ontario’s health care sector continues to experience a labour shortage. Rural, remote, and northern communities have a high demand for skilled health professionals who can provide culturally appropriate care. Canada’s growing population of seniors, coupled with an increasing preference to age in place, will also result in a significant need for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) with essential skills. Developments in artificial intelligence will shift how health care is provided. Micro-credentials offered by Ontario’s postsecondary institutions can support with navigating these transitions.
Indigenous Midwifery Summits organized in northwestern Ontario resulted in the development of Oshki-Wenjack’s Indigenous Birthworker micro-credential series to address a vital community need. Included in the series are self-paced courses focusing on pregnancy, labour, and postpartum care. These micro-credentials range in length from 30 to 45 hours and include Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language training to support culturally appropriate communication with parents and families. Courses are delivered online, and program intakes are continuous, allowing learners to remain in their communities while developing their skills.
A nearly 40% increase in demand for long-term care is anticipated in Ontario by 2035. Lambton College has developed a series of more than 30 micro-credentials to facilitate skills development and career advancement for Personal Support Workers. Developed in collaboration with southwestern Ontario long-term care homes, these micro-credentials target care needs for specific client groups – such as those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, seniors requiring rehabilitation, and individuals with mental illness. Programs are self-paced, offered online, and can be completed in as little as four weeks. They are open for bi-monthly enrolment. Intakes begin in April.
The number of caregivers for Canadians living with dementia is expected to triple in the next three decades. Canadore College’s Dementia Care micro-credential is a 10-hour program that provides focused training in the assessment of common comorbidities linked with dementia, the management of both dementia symptoms and care risks, and self-care for care providers. This micro-credential is self-paced and is open for enrolment at any time.
Artificial intelligence will reshape the health care sector, transforming how administrative tasks are completed and patient care is provided. Queen’s University’s AI in Healthcare: Mastering the Essentials micro-credential provides health care professionals and administrators with self-paced, accredited training in the applications and ethics of AI. This 15-hour micro-credential is designed to support informed decision-making in health care practice and is recognized by professional bodies such as the College of Family Physicians of Canada. The program can be started at any time but is currently open for enrolment at a reduced early adopter fee.
Micro-credentials for Digital Futures
For professionals who are not working in health care but nonetheless wish to enhance their skills in the application of AI while remaining conscious of its ethics, Brock University’s AI Essentials micro-credential may be a suitable fit. This eight-week online course allows learners to explore AI’s past and future trajectory, assess bias, privacy, and data security concerns, and apply responsible AI principles to real-world scenarios. The next intake begins May 5th; prospective learners may submit a course inquiry through Brock University to be notified when registration opens.
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field in Canada, with employment projected to increase by 9.4% by 2027. The University of Windsor’s Certificate in Cybersecurity consists of two micro-credentials – Introduction to Systems Security and System Implementation – that introduce learners to the fundamentals of systems management and protection. Virtual Box and Ethical Hacking systems are used to equip students with an understanding of cybersecurity best practices and backend system architecture to correctly identify and protect against security risks. The content of these micro-credentials is aligned with the CompTIA Security+ curriculum, valuable for learners who would like to obtain this additional professional certification. Discounts and financial aid are available, and no prior experience is necessary. The next intake begins April 28th.
Data analysis skills are essential for evidence-based decision-making, and data scientists are needed for machine learning tool development. The Data Analyst micro-credential at Sheridan College consists of four stackable courses designed to give learners a competitive advantage in the field of data science. Individuals who complete the program will gain practical knowledge and skills in predictive modelling, tools and technologies for data mining, and impactful data presentation. Classes may be taken in any order, and the program is flexibly delivered, with options to complete is as little as two semesters. This micro-credential is particularly suited for learners seeking career transition from another sector, and the competencies developed in this program can help students take the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) exam. The next intake begins May 7th.
eCampusOntario plays a critical role in advancing digital participation in higher education, helping postsecondary institutions meet the digital-first needs of learners. An era of digital transformation (Dx) is underway in the sector, where digital tools and practices are changing the way higher education institutions operate and provide value. The Leadership for Digital Transformation micro-credential helps learners develop digital intelligence, achieve alignment between IT and business strategies, implement project management strategies that support Dx, and drive innovation within their organization. This micro-credential takes 30 hours to complete, is offered in both English and French, and is open to both eCampusOntario members and non-members.
Learn More
To explore over 2,500 more micro-credential programs and learn how eCampusOntario can help you develop in-demand skills, visit MicroLearnOntario.ca and Learn.ecampusontario.ca.