The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) understands the pertinence of continuous learning — that’s why they’ve introduced micro-credentials.
SAIT’s micro-credentials known as SAITMicro are specific, competency-based courses offering students the chance to develop practical, essential skills for today’s workforce. These short, specialized courses are designed and implemented to meet current industry standards — and give students a credible and sharable digital badge that validates specific competencies to employers. They’re available in a wide variety of disciplines, including construction, energy, digital transformation, software and programming, welding, business, media arts, and transportation.
The demand for micro-credentials is significant, as industries are growing and changing at record speeds. “Learning isn’t linear anymore,” says Chris Wharton, Product Manager for SAIT’s Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Studies (CEPS). “Industry is changing quickly, and people need to stay up-to-date. It’s forcing folks to upskill and embrace lifelong learning.”
Educational institutions are adopting alternative, complementary pathways to support lifelong learning and career success. SAIT’s micro-credentials are flexible, agile, job advancement tools that are available to anybody, regardless of what career phase they’re in.
Industry is changing quickly, and people need to stay up-to-date. It’s forcing folks to upskill and embrace lifelong learning.
Learn at your own pace
“SAIT’s micro-credential framework was created to meet the changing needs and skill gaps of industry,” says Patty Moore, Manager of Curriculum Development at CEPS. “Micro-credentials are designed to offer participants personalized, flexible learning pathways.”
Micro-credentials are an excellent way for industry professionals to upskill, reskill, advance, or shift professions, and also for career-starting students wanting to test out potential job pathways. SAIT wanted to reduce all possible barriers that could limit a student’s potential, which is why their courses are tailored to suit individual schedules. Micro-credentials can be taken online, in person, asynchronously, at night, on the weekend, or in a combined formation.
Plus, they can be stacked and applied towards a certificate of achievement. While earning higher credentials, successful students receive a digital badge that can be electronically displayed. “Presenting a digital badge is a great way for professionals to show that they’ve been verified as knowledgeable and capable in an in-demand skillset,” Chris adds.
Leading the way
Throughout its 106-year history, SAIT has established itself as a leading training facility capable of adapting to all industry developments and shifts. They’re working together with industries to not only uphold their current standards, but also to develop bright, prosperous futures. Their forward-thinking ethos is what led SAIT to establish the Centre in April 2020, the home base for micro-credentials.
“We’re driven by providing premium-level applied learning and hands-on experience,” says Vis Naidoo, Director of CEPS. “We’re able to do so because of our exceptional instructors — they’re industry professionals with extensive experience and ample knowledge.”
SAIT provides a range of support to help students throughout their academic journeys, including financial aid. They’re proud of their school’s positive, inclusive environment. “At SAIT, it’s not just what you learn — it’s the entire experience that helps our students grow into driven, hard-working professionals,” Vis adds.
The future of education
With world-class training facilities and well-established industry partnerships, SAIT supports every step of a student’s lifelong learning process, especially through their micro-credential courses. “SAIT is a great institution for a broad range of skill development in technology, business, trades, and more,” Chris details. “We go a step further to build a curriculum that’s dynamic and ambitious.”
