Microcredentials will help fill skills gaps in ECEC, Education Minister says

The Australian Government has provided $18.5 million for a Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education to help fill skills gaps to meet the needs of employers and sectors and industries experiencing workforce challenges, which may include early childhood education and care (ECEC), Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare has said. 

Microcredentials are small courses in a specific area of study designed to upskill and reskill workers in short timeframes, and the funding will be allocated to higher education providers to help them produce qualified workers in areas of national priority. 

“Australian employers across a huge number of industries (sic.) are currently crying out for workers with particular skills,” the Minister explained. 

“This pilot will create more opportunities for Australians to get the skills they need and fill these jobs. It will target areas of national priority such as teaching, engineering, health, and technology.”

Shorter learning time frames will be a key outcome of the pilot, along with the opportunity for students to “mix and match” studies across the higher education sector to enable them to find a new job or get ahead in their current field.

In Round 1 of the pilot, Table A universities will be able to apply for a share of $2 million to help develop microcredentials in partnership with industry. Table A universities will also be able to apply for $2 million in funding to deliver the microcredentials that they have developed.

Round Two, commencing next year, will offer a share in $14.5 million, and will be open to Table A, Table B and Table C universities, along with Non-University Higher Education Providers to support the delivery of microcredentials, including those developed as part of Round 1.

Funding of $16.5 million will be available for the delivery of microcredentials to up to 4,000 students through to 2026.

For more information, please see here.