The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has launched a new microcredential that not only addresses employer’s demand for skilled workers but also worker’s preference for DIY learning.
The microcredential will be delivered online through QUT’s partnership with digital education platform FutureLearn, a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) learning platform jointly owned by The Open University and SEEK Ltd.
Professor Kevin Ashford-Rowe, QUT’s pro vice-chancellor (digital learning), said the University had previously partnered with FutureLearn to deliver MOOCs such as data analytics and robotics.
Now, the renewed partnership will be delivering a project management microcredential, particularly on managing front-end planning. The microcredential, which will start on 24 February, focusses on planning and managing large-scale projects.
Professor Ashford-Rowe said that the course will also give participants the chance to learn how they can manage stakeholders, ethical decision-making, and developing responsive project options.
As QUT has been delivering a Masters program in project management for more than two decades, Professor Ashford-Rowe said they are now in the position to offer the new microcredential.
The new offering also seeks to fill demand for more skilled workers given its importance in business operations, Professor Ashford-Rowe said.
QUT is one of the five other FutureLearn partners in delivering the first suite of new microcredentials being offered in FutureLearn’s site. The platform is offering nine new microcredentials in response to the need for workers to build up on specialised skills in their field.
Following the demand
Other universities are also looking to address reports of students and workers who say they feel unprepared for the future of work due to lack of skills or training needed to keep them up-to-date.
According to Pearson’s 2019 Global Learner Survey, an increasing number of people are opting for bite-sized, ‘self-service learning’ to keep up with the changing global economy. These learners are also turning to technology such as online degrees and smart devices to meet their education needs.
The report further revealed that not only are the incoming workforce in various countries who are more open to pursuing alternative pathways getting a college degree, they also believe that education is inaccessible and not enough to prepare them for work.
As a result, universities are beefing up their online education. Last year, Swinburne launched its Adobe Creative Campus – a first in Australia – to ensure their students have the necessary skills to attract employers.
The Federal Government also stepped in after it accepted the recommendations of the Review of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which seeks to connect students to employer demand.
Among the recommendations include the recognition of microcredentials to allow posts-secondary education providers to offer short and highly targeted courses.