Basics

These are short, focused, and flexible learning experiences that recognize the achievement of a specific skill or competency. They are becoming increasingly popular and valuable in today’s rapidly changing and competitive job market.

How do micro-credentials work?

Students will sign up and complete a course.  Part of the requirements is to demonstrate the learning that has taken place. 

Once the course is completed the micro-credential will be added to a digital online platform that can be used for certifying, sharing, and verifying academic credentials.  You can easily share your documents securely with colleges and universities, employers, immigration authorities, and other third parties.

How much do they cost?

This depends on the micro-credential. Some are free while others reflect the cost of running the training.

Are there any funding opportunities?

If you work in the nonprofit sector you may be eligible for COJB funding

Information you will need to know:

• Training Provider Name: Trent University
• Training Provide Address: 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2
• Canada Revenue Agency Number: 119268928RT0001
• Contact Name: Alison Peek
• Contact Number: 714 748 1011 Ext 6012
• Type of institution: University
• Training Provider: Trent University

Learning Outcomes - Click for Summary document of Nonprofit Management Essentials learning outcomes

#Funding

How long will they take?

Every micro-credential is different. The normal range is 6-30 hours but they can take over 120 hours if they involve project planning and research.

How does the training happen?

It is very diverse.  It can be physical, online, blended, virtual, and digital locations, contexts, and cultures in which people learn, encompassing all settings in which formal, non-formal, and informal learning can occur.

Which micro-credentials are eligible for OSAP?

We are happy to announce that many of our courses at Trent University are now eligible for OSAP funding through the Micro-Credentials program.

To be eligible courses must be completed within 11 weeks and have a minimum of 6 instructional hours.

If you are interested in applying for OSAP for your course, please visit the OSAP website at www.ontario.ca/OSAP. Applications can be accepted up until the last week of your course, but it is highly recommended that you submit your application as soon as you register for the course. This will allow the Financial Aid Office time to review your application, approve any documentation you may have to submit, and make any other necessary changes or communications. 

OSAP for Micro-Credential programs is a combination of loans and grants. It is individually calculated based off factors such as tuition, hours of study, income, etc. For more information on how to apply, you can visit the OSAP website here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Trent University’s Financial Aid Office, using your trentu.ca email account, at financialaid@trentu.ca.

Financial Aid (OSAP, Scholarships and Bursaries)

Monday to Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Phone: 705-748-1524 OR 905-435-5102 x1524
Email: financialaid@trentu.ca

Will I get a tax form?

Students are entitled to a T2202 when they meet the following criteria:

• The student is enrolled in a qualifying educational program in a specified educational program that provides at least 12 hours of instruction within a calendar month.
• A program is not considered a qualifying or specified educational program if the student receives, from a person with whom they deal at arm’s length, a grant, reimbursement, benefit, or allowance for that program.
• A minimum course cost of $150

Who will provide training for them?

Education and training institutions and organizations, social partners (i.e. organizations representing workers and employers), employers and industry, civil society organizations, public employment services (PES) and regional and national authorities, and other types of actors designing, delivering, and issuing micro-credentials for formal, non-formal

What kinds of micro-credentials are there?

Trent is in the process of developing micro-credentials.  These are our current offerings:

We have some that are for Trent Students only.  These include:

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Foundations
• Applied Event Management
• Learning from the Land and Indigenous Peoples
• Introduction to Graduate Teaching
• The Liberated Learner: How to Learn With Style (Starting the Summer)
• Collegiate Leadership Competition 

For current offerings click here

We also offer them to members of the community

• Business Essentials and Strategies
• Nonprofit Management Essentials
• Introduction to Computational Thinking and Coding (Teachers)
• Police Leadership
• Applied Event Management

For current offerings click here

Signing up for a micro-credential

Each micro-credential is managed differently so check out the course information for the one you are interested in.

How do I register?

Visit the course information for the micro-credential that you would like to register for and follow the registration instructions.

I have registered.  What happens next?

Each course is operated differently.

Once you have registered, you will get a confirmation that you have registered for your course.  If you are not a Trent student, you will be allocated an email and student number.   

Some courses will require you to access course material on Blackboard, our course management system, and some will be managed externally where Trent will allocate the micro-credential at the end of the course.

Once your course is completed you will be allocated your micro-credential.  You will be emailed information on how to register for your account and see your information online.

What is Blackboard?

Some courses will use Blackboard.  It is like a digital classroom such as Google Classroom; it’s the place where your online courses are housed and facilitated. It’s accessed through the ‘Academics’ tab on the myTrent student portal. Instructors use Blackboard to display course materials, post assignments, upload assessments, and communicate with you throughout the course. 

When you log into your courses, it’s good practice to walk through the course to learn how to navigate the various areas. The first page is the ‘Student Dashboard’, where you’ll see the ‘My Courses’ box on the right. You can customize the dashboard by using the ‘Add Module’ and ‘Personalize Page’ buttons. Each instructor customizes their course site within Blackboard, so not all of your classes courses will use the same tools within the system.  

Visit the  IT page for Blackboard to access user guides and tutorial videos. 

Study Resources

The Trent Website includes a lot of resources for Trent Students.

How to be a Successful Online Learner - Online - Trent University

Academic Skills has a lot of useful resources online.  These include:

• How to study
• How to manage your time
• How to write
• How to use sources
• How to edit your writing

https://www.trentu.ca/academicskills/how-guides

Interested in creating a new micro-credential?

Micro-credentials are a great way to recognize skills within your workforce or share knowledge within the community.  They are short courses that develop specific skills.  

Why would I create a micro-credential?

Micro-credentials offer several benefits for businesses and communities:

• Skill Enhancement: Micro-credentials allow employees to target relevant skills, keeping them up-to-date and adaptable.

• Attracting Employees: Offering micro-credentials enhances employee engagement by providing formal recognition for skills development.

• Recognizing Employee Skills: Micro-credentials motivate staff to pursue formally recognized skills and can lead to career enhancement.

• Community Knowledge Sharing: Micro-credentials offer widely recognized recognition for community participation.

• Ontario-wide Training: In-demand training can be promoted across Ontario through the eCampusOntario Micro-credentials Portal.

• Potential Income: Charging participants for micro-credential programs can generate income.

How much does it cost to set up?

The cost of coordinating a micro-credential program can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the size of the program, the method of delivery (online, in-person, or hybrid), the audience, the complexity of the content, and any additional services provided (such as online content creation).

Please contact the micro-credential team to find out more.

What topics can be made into a micro-credential?

Micro-credentials are very flexible but they should include the following:

Alignment with Industry Needs:

• Micro-credentials should align with the skills and competencies demanded by employers, industries, communities, or Indigenous communities.
• They must address specific gaps in the labor market.

Competency-Based Design:

• Micro-credentials recognize short-duration learning experiences based on demonstrated competencies.  The normal range is 6-40 hours but they can take over 120 hours if they involve project planning and research.
• Participants should acquire practical skills relevant to their field.

Assessment and Recognition:

• Micro-credentials must be assessable and recognized for employment or learning purposes.
• Clear assessment criteria ensure consistency and validity.

Collaboration and Co-Creation:

• Collaboration between postsecondary institutions, industry partners, and employers is essential.
• Co-creation ensures that micro-credentials meet real-world demands.

I have an idea for a micro-credential.

If you would like to connect with us to discuss a potential micro-credential, you can fill in the micro-credential proposal form or you can email microcredential@trentu.ca.