The Ontario government is spending $5 million through the Micro-credentials Challenge Fund to bring post-secondary institutions and industry together to build or expand rapid training programs for priority job sectors like health care and advanced manufacturing.
This is the second round of Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund.
“The Micro-credentials Challenge Fund brings industry and institutions together to create programs that strengthen Ontario’s workforce and economy,” said Colleges and Universities Minister Jill Dunlop in a news release. “Micro-credentials reflect current and local labour market needs and immediately prepare students for industry-relevant opportunities in their region.”
The province said micro-credentials offer greater flexibility and take less time to complete than standard degrees and diplomas, while giving prospective employers the chance to see students demonstrate their skills.
“For employers, micro-credentials help their workers quickly upskill to adapt to evolving technologies, trends and practices,” the province said.
This new round of funding supports 88 micro-credential projects at colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes and career colleges across the province.
During the first round of the Micro-credentials Challenge Fund, 300 micro-credentials were created that are anticipated to serve approximately 6,000 learners, the province said.
Since 2020, the Ontario government has announced investments of more than $60 million in Ontario’s Micro-credentials Strategy, including Ontario’s Micro-credentials Challenge Fund.
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