Micro-credentials matter: Evaluating the role and value in professional careers through an Australasian lens

Abstract

<p>Focus</p> <p>This showcase will present an Australasian survey analysing the impact and value of microcredentials on professionals' careers, aiming to improve their design, assess their effects, and provide insights from recent completers across industries.</p> <p>Background/context</p> <p>As per Federal Government, "Microcredentials are small courses in a specific area of study, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling in short timeframes, to meet the needs of employers.” Microcredentials offer universities new partnerships and revenue, appealing to employers for rapid, flexible upskilling. The sector faces challenges like inconsistent definitions and scarce design guidance (DESE, 2021), with limited research on their value to professionals. An international survey highlighted missing standards and quality concerns (Holon IQ, 2021). In Australia, unregulated microcredential landscape results in uneven adoption across universities (Selvaratnam & Sankey, 2021), causing hesitancy in investing in these qualifications.</p> <p>Description</p> <p>This study investigates the development, design, and learner value of microcredentials, focusing on the recent experiences of industry professionals amidst their broad discussion by governments and policymakers.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>A mixed-methods survey utilising snowball sampling was distributed in Australasia, with subsequent analysis involving descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.</p> <p>Evidence</p> <p>The survey findings reveal a widening gap between employer expectations and educational offerings in higher and professional education. Microcredentials from universities could bridge this gap, but this raises critical questions about value of traditional degrees and the effectiveness of microcredential programs.</p> <p>Contribution</p> <p>This research aims first to offer insights into learners' values in microcredentials, potentially guiding future design, and second, to contribute to the broader conversation on the role of microcredentials in professional and academic settings.</p>