Finding the time to add lifelong learning or upskilling against personal and work commitments can seem a pipe dream for many. But over one year since MicroCreds.ie was introduced in Ireland, Micro-credentials are doing just that, with a range of short, accredited courses for people with busy lives to progress and futureproof careers or re-enter the workforce with confidence. And that’s not all, as many courses address the country’s skill shortages across vital sectors, like University of Galway’s micro-credential courses in construction innovation.
Professor Jamie Goggins in the School of Engineering at University of Galway, is the Director of Construct Innovate, Ireland’s National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation, who has developed a range of courses in response to critical and proven skills needs in the construction and built environment sectors.
“With over 70,000 companies and over 170,000 people employed in the construction sector in Ireland, there is a large pool of people who need upskilling to address the challenges and strategic outcomes identified by the Irish Government, and construction sector stakeholders, such as Housing for All, National Retrofit and Climate Action Plans,” he said. “Construct Innovate is hosted at University of Galway and includes partner institutions such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, and the Irish Green Building Council. We have five micro-credential courses available: Passive House Design; Sustainability Planning in Construction; Digital Construction Technologies; Modern Methods of Construction; and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
“The micro-credentials have a particular focus on the knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable technological solutions to the challenges facing the construction and built environment sector in Ireland and elsewhere, with a particular focus on modern methods of construction. Learners will be exposed to sustainable innovations and innovative data-driven approaches to information decision making in the construction sector. Sustainability is a key theme with a micro-credential dedicated to sustainable planning in construction.”
Goggins explains that the courses offer flexibility for learners, who have the option to take the micro-credential courses individually, or stack Sustainability Planning in Construction, Digital Construction Technologies, and Modern Methods of Construction, to earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert).
“Following completion of the PG Cert, learners can take two further courses to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation, and also the option of a masters with the completion of a final research project completed in their company,” he added. “So, there is flexibility to move from a micro-credential to a masters over a period of three to four years should the learner wish to choose this pathway. The stackable micro-credential to masters pathway allows for multiple entry and exit points for learners so that they can choose the lifelong learning journey that suits their professional development plans most.
Micro-credential courses are largely delivered in a fully online or blended learning format
“The Construct Innovate Centre has an active set of over 70 member companies ranging from small to very large organisations including SISK Contractors; John Paul Construction; Glenveagh; Arup; the Land Development Agency; and Jones Engineering. The proposed micro-credentials, and follow on certificates and degrees, target individuals at multiple qualification levels wishing to upskill or reskill to meet the critical demand for skills in digital adoption, sustainability, and modern methods of construction. To date we have attracted Engineers (from diverse disciplines), Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Product Designers, Construction Managers and learners with a scientific background. All applications are welcome, learners generally require level 8 qualification; however, we have offered entry to students with a level 7 award through the recognition of prior learning.”
Micro-credentials are proving a popular and flexible way for learners to take on new challenges that will allow them to develop critical new skills and to progress their careers. Micro-credentials available from MicroCreds partner universities (Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway and University of Limerick) range in price from €200 to €2000, depending on the duration and level of the course. The introduction of the HCI Pillar 3 Learner Fee Subsidy from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), with incentives of between 50 and 80 per cent on over 300 courses on MicroCreds.ie, has led to increased interest and demand from learners.
“The array of micro-credential courses on offer, their flexible delivery nature and subsidised fee structure is the perfect combination to drive demand,” said Nuala McGuinn, Director of Adult Learning and Professional Development at University of Galway. “While still early days of this concept in higher education, the feedback from learners is positive stating that they like the flexibility offered by them and the type of topic areas that are offered. They also offer a point of entry to the higher education system for individuals who may not meet the traditional entry requirements for a degree programme or perhaps for learners who lack the confidence to undertake full degrees. Learners can take introductory-level micro-credential courses to build the skills and knowledge necessary to transition into more extensive formal programmes. In this regard, they are increasing access to education for learners who may not have traditionally considered higher education to be suitable for them.
“Micro-credential courses are largely delivered in a fully online or blended learning format. Materials are designed for asynchronous learning, students review materials independently at a time that suits them and will join synchronous webinars where they have an opportunity to meet with their lecturer and fellow students to discuss key concepts, meet with industry experts and share best practice. As many of the students are working professionally in their field, their expertise and insights are also shared with the wider group with lots of peer-to-peer learning taking place. While not in class, learners will have the continuous support of their lecturer and the facility to stay connected with fellow learners through online discussion forums.”
For more information on micro-credential courses at University of Galway, and across all seven participating universities, see MicroCreds.ie