The benefits of micro-certification in New Zealand
Methods and types of education come in many forms, and we understand the value of micro certifications in New Zealand, and beyond – both for organisations and employees. They provide a method of proving education and they help those take and hold them to climb the ladder of expertise within their particular industry. They also serve to highlight an employee’s worth to their company.
In a time where employees are expected to be able to take on new roles, responsibilities and excel across several skill-sets, the micro approach is proving itself extremely popular.
The rapid emergence of micro-credentialing
Especially now, globally, when organisations and professions are in a state of flux there is a need to keep on top of constant changes in technology and regulation. Of course, this has always been the case but recently it has become increasingly more important.
People at all stages of their career will benefit from streamlined, targeted educational programs to further improve their competency both in their current roles and as well as others as roles and responsibilities merge. This is a win for both company and employee.
Just what is micro-credentialing?
Micro certifications in New Zealand are relatively new, and they are growing in popularity. Micro-credentials are certification-style qualifications that people can choose to study to improve on a particular skill within their industry.
The low-cost, short courses that can be taken online and learners are provided with a digital certificate (also known as badges) on successful completion. This new way of learning is quickly gaining recognition, and very recently here in New Zealand (with its launching officially at the end of 2018). The certificates, or badges, are highly sought after within the professional landscape.
The major difference between micro certificates in New Zealand and the qualifications offered in higher education is that these certificates are served up as bite-sized chunks. They are developed with a specific industry in mind, focussing on specific skills. This makes sure that they don’t just meet industry standards, but they are also recognised by employers – both current and future, should learners be looking for a career change.
This new approach is highly personalised and transferable within the industry that the certificates target.
What are the benefits of micro-credentials to employers?
Micro-credentials in New Zealand, and elsewhere, of course, are highly beneficial to employers. This is beneficial because existing members of staff can use these micro certificates to eliminate skills gaps. In today’s fast-paced industries and the fast-changing way that we work, these skills gaps are getting wider.
Micro-credentials minimise an employer’s costs to keep current employees updated skills-wise, whilst also keeping track of their individual development. The digital badges that are earned also have the added benefit of boosting employee engagement and, importantly, loyalty.
By making use of micro certification, employees accelerate their professional development. Employs remain highly valuable whilst simultaneously opening new avenues of career growth. The transition from role to role, or even absorbing other roles into their current position, becomes much faster, easier and cheaper than hiring new talent.
Young professionals are also able to compete more effectively for available jobs, making hiring decisions harder for employers (in a spoilt for choice way). it also makes the transition from learner to earner much smoother and faster.
To conclude
The sheer elegance of micro certificates in New Zealand means that people are given more opportunities, and in a much easier way, to learn and improve in specific areas of their position and at any stage.
Imagine the possibilities and value of incredibly focussed, recognised, skills learning. Embrace the future that is micro certification and look forward to increased productivity and an ever more valuable workforce
