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Looking for work or to build your resume with in-demand skills? Microcredentials from British Columbia Institute of Technology's (BCIT) may be the answer. The school's first ever microcredential programs provide learners with industry-focused, applied education that allows them to rapidly upskill, build resilience and stay ahead of workplace trends. Microcredentials are flexible, short-term programs that help learners quickly master new competencies and gain knowledge essential to in- demand Canadian industries. Many will be credited or recognized as a launching pad toward comple- tion of longer programs. Over time, microcredentials could become "stackable," which means learners may have the opportunity to combine individual microcredentials to earn full credentials, such as certificates and diplomas. Dean Hildebrand, Dean of the School of Computing and Academic Studies at BCIT, says, "Microcredential students can look forward to more of what the Institution is known for—short but relevant applied education in areas aligned with industry demand." "The concept of a microcredential, although rela- tively new in Canada, is not that dissimilar to what BCIT has been doing for a very long time via our Part-time Studies (PTS) model," Hildebrand says. "PTS offers short courses (or whole credentials) in more flexible delivery models meant for working professionals. Microcredentials are a more focused, competency-based approach to learning." Specifically, the new Digital Transformation microcredential program is focused on helping leaners gain new competencies, preparing them for careers in a tech-focused world. Its initial release includes 14 courses covering topics from 5G, Automation, and Computing Essentials, to YouTube Marketing and eCommerce. Students who earn a total of four credits are awarded the complete Digital Transformation microcredential. The compact size of the individual microcreden- tial components, and BCIT's new "badges", a kind of competency acknowledgement, are what sets the microcredential apart. "The components tend to be 'bite-sized,' mini-courses based on a small number of competencies," Hildebrand says. "The Digital Transformation microcredential provides flex- ibility, allowing people to customize a program by selecting topics of interest. "A badge is assigned for the completion of a short course or workshop that produces a single endorsement of specific knowledge, skills or competencies." A badge contains embedded data such as where and when the microcredentials were earned and the competencies assessed. A digital badge can be linked to an online resume, website or social media platform. While most courses are worth one badge, some courses may be worth two or more. BCIT microcredentials are all offered online. Initial offerings of each course are full or underway. People interested in the program are encour- aged to subscribe to stay informed of the next available offering at bcit.ca/digitalsubscribe ■ LEARN MORE: bcit.ca/microcredentials CONNECT: Facebook: @bcit.ca Twitter: @bcit Instagram: @lifeatbcit LinkedIn: @bcit TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER Build your resume with microcredentials C R E AT E D BY BCBusiness I N PA RT N E RS H I P W IT H BCIT