Provincial funding supports three new NAIT micro-credential programs

Published on September 29, 2022

NAIT is receiving $650,000 over two years from the Government of Alberta to develop new micro-credential programs to help learners upskill and reskill.   

Three new micro-credential programs will be developed over the next two years to meet Alberta’s labour market demand.  

  • Point of Care Ultrasound is the practice of trained medical professionals using ultrasound to diagnose problems wherever a patient is being treated. Seven micro-credentials will be developed with this funding: Fundamentals, Cardiac, Aortic, Lung, Abdominal, Pelvic and Early Obstetrical.  

    These micro-credentials will expand on the skillsets of healthcare practitioners and offer them an opportunity to upskill and/or reskill. Practitioners who complete all seven micro-credentials will be awarded a certificate in Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma from NAIT. 
  • Construction Leadership and Supervision will help prepare learners by equipping them with the leadership and supervision skills required to meet industry demands. Five micro-credentials will be developed: Leading Self (Construction), Constructional Fundamentals, Managing Scheduling, Managing Quality and Managing Safety. Learners can earn a Supervision and Leadership Certificate and continue on a pathway towards other certificate programs, such as the Construction Engineering Technology diploma. 
  • Intellectual Property creates a pathway that can be used by entrepreneurs within many industries, including manufacturing, energy, food agriculture, forestry, assembly lines, transportation, aviation, aerospace, logistics and finance. This knowledge will give learners a competitive edge in Alberta’s entrepreneurial and innovation system. 

NAIT currently offers 24 micro-credentials in automation, business continuity, productivity, and equity, diversity and inclusion. 

The investment is part of the Alberta at Work initiative, a collection of strategic investments to help Albertans develop new skills and grow their careers. Through this initiative, the Government of Alberta also recently announced that NAIT is receiving $9 million to expand 5 high-demand programs and $760,000 to expand apprenticeship seats

 

Quotes 

“Micro-credentials offer a way for Albertans to quickly validate specific skills or knowledge that employers value, leading to meaningful careers. Reskilling and upskilling is a vital part of keeping Albertans in the workforce in a changing economy. We’re thrilled to receive funding to continue developing micro-credentials that meet the needs of industry and Albertans.” - Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT president and CEO 

“NAIT is committed to developing the talent needed in Alberta and micro-credentials is one of the pathways Albertans need. Micro-credentials can help individuals pivot in their careers into growing sectors of the economy and potentially shorten an individual’s pathway into new opportunities in growing sectors. They can also help employers quickly address skills gaps in their workforce.” - Peter Leclaire, NAIT vice-president Academic 

About NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With over 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.

Media inquiries

Nicole Graham
NAIT Media Relations
C 780.916.8307 E media@nait.ca

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