Generation Z

Micro-certifications give students added skills and experience.

The workforce has changed considerably over the last generation, not just for those graduating from post-secondary, but also for teenagers who are contemplating their future.

Those in Generation Z—born between 1997 and 2012—are by-and-large finishing high school with far less work experience than those who came before. For some, this leaves them with a feeling that they are not prepared for post-secondary.

Micro-certifications are critical for future skill-building.

Fanshawe’s Corporate Training Solutions (CTS) is prepared to provide a pathway to college for students who are not quite ready to take that next step. They have developed a suite of micro-certifications that can help a young learner build a foundation to pursue additional education. For example, students can pursue a micro-certification in digital marketing that can help them land an entry-level job. With added skills and experience, many students find it easier to make a decision about which college program is right for them.

Micro-certifications are also ideal for experienced professionals looking to gain new skills for their current job or to find a different career path. Many industries have experienced layoffs or shifts in product and service delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, an entrepreneur who has operated their business out of a storefront may now need to hone the skills necessary to build a digital e-commerce platform.

Micro-certifications are critical for future skill-building of individuals transitioning roles due to various reasons,” says Candace Miller, senior manager of Fanshawe’s Strategic Initiatives and Business Development. “CTS is proud to be leading this initiative at Fanshawe College. It is our goal to support these learners with pathway opportunities to post-secondary programs in the future.

Participants who complete a micro-credential through CTS will receive a certificate of completion and a digital badge that can be displayed online.

The way we do business is rapidly changing and so is the way we go to school. Fanshawe’s CTS micro-certifications are centred on skills upgrading and creating a pathway for future education or building on completed education.