Take the Fast, Focused Path to the Future You Want

Workforce needs are rapidly changing and so is the demand for new skills. That’s where micro-credentials come in. Micro-credential courses offer on-the-go, targeted learning to fit into busy schedules or short timeframes.

Take the Fast, Focused Path to the Future You Want

Workforce needs are rapidly changing and so is the demand for new skills. That’s where micro-credentials come in. Micro-credential courses offer on-the-go, targeted learning to fit into busy schedules or short timeframes.

Micro-credentials are the solution when you want to:

  • rapidly upskill for work in evolving sectors
  • strengthen your resumé with new, in-demand skills
  • improve your job and career prospects
  • stand out in a competitive job market.

Micro-credentials are the solution when you want to:

• rapidly upskill for work in evolving sectors
• strengthen your resumé with new, in-demand skills
• improve your job and career prospects
• stand out in a competitive job market.

What is a Micro-credential?

A micro-credential is a non-degree certification that verifies your competence in a particular skill or group of skills.

Micro-Credentials = Macro Benefits

Learn online with leading universities.

Complete online facilitated courses in less than a year, start to finish.

Gain professional credentials.

Your micro-credential demonstrates your competence with a skill or set of skills.

Grow your career.

Whether you are re-entering the workforce, upskilling or moving into a new career, developing and refining your skills puts you in a stronger position to advance.

MicroStart Registration is Open!

Sign up today for the following micro-credential classes delivered through the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University.

Royal Roads University Courses

Climate Action

Climate Adaptation Fundamentals

The data is clear: climate change is here, and the time for climate action is now. Businesses know we need to mitigate change and respond with creative, resilient and collaborative actions to the impacts we are already experiencing.

The transition towards sustainability has important implications for the workforce, with industries seeking skilled climate professionals and an expanding labour market aligned to “green” jobs to adapt to and mitigate the climate crisis.

The Climate Adaptation Fundamentals Micro-credential is an ideal entry point into this expanding and essential labour market.

Visit website to learn more details
School: Royal Roads University

Communication Skills

Workplace Communication Skills

Effective, professional communication skills are essential in today’s workplace. Learn the tools that enable you to communicate with clarity and impact; effectively manage conflict; navigate difficult conversations and develop mindful listening and communication techniques. By increasing these skills, you minimize the potential for misunderstandings and increase your ability to inspire through clear and focused communication strategies.

Dates: March 7, 2022 – April 3, 2022
School: Royal Roads University

Arbitration

Arbitrator Training

Royal Roads University partners with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of British Columbia (ADRBC) to deliver online Arbitrator Training to provide both lawyers and non-lawyers with the basic skills necessary to become an effective Arbitrator. The course provides an introduction to the basic principles of law governing contract law, an intensive review of the conduct of arbitration proceedings, the BC Arbitration Act, and the commonly used rules of procedure. Additionally, students will learn how to conduct a hearing and how to write a reasoned award.

Dates: Apr 19, 2022- Jun 19, 2022
School: Royal Roads University

Business Administration

Business Administration Essentials

This Business Administration essential program enables participants to gain key skills to establish a successful foundation for careers in administration and operations, with a focus on increasing leadership abilities, strengthening confidence, identifying strengths and enhancing conflict management and communication skills. The program focuses on four core areas: foundations of operations management, business writing, business fundamentals and leadership

Dates: Various
School: Royal Roads University

Leadership Development

Leading Projects in a Digital Environment

This course equips participants with key skills, concepts, tools and techniques required to successfully manage and lead projects, and associated project teams, through an ever-shifting digital landscape. Participants will explore innovative approaches to project leadership and change management and increase their own resilience and adaptability to ever-changing conditions within digital environments.

Start Date: Various Dates
School: Royal Roads University

Supervisory Skills

Supervisory Skills

The Supervisory Skills program enables participants to obtain entry or re-entry into mid-
level supervisory, administrative and service-oriented positions. Participants gain key skills and techniques to establish a successful foundation in supervision and management. Participants increase leadership abilities, strengthen confidence, identify strengths, and enhance conflict management and communication skills. The program includes digital literacy and online learning, leading with emotional intelligence, managing people and performance, difficult conversations, mindful resilience, foundations of operations management and business writing.

Start Date: Visit website for upcoming dates
School: Royal Roads University

Environmental Services

Mineral Exploration, Geoscience and Environmental Field Assistant

This program prepares graduates for field assistant positions in mineral exploration, mining and environmental services — and provides a step toward a career in natural resources and environmental management. Students develop field skills such as sampling, field data collection, first aid and field safety, plus knowledge of environmental essentials and mining and Indigenous people. The program also prepares students to take the BC Mines Supervisor Certification exam, a valuable certification required in BC exploration and mining camps.

Duration: 6-week facilitated online program
Start Date: Visit website for upcoming dates1
School: Royal Roads University

University of Victoria Courses

Creative Tech

Interactive Storytelling for Creative Technology

Take your career to an immersive new level

The power of gaming, animation and augmented and virtual reality technology has opened up new platforms for engaging storytelling that invites the viewer to become part of the story. As demand for this immersive content continues to grow, employers are seeking people with the skills to meet the needs of the growing creative technology sector. The Interactive Storytelling for Creative Technology (ISCT) micro-credential program builds on learners’ existing abilities to quickly develop skills in creating compelling content for virtual environments through the Unity platform. Immerse yourself in the training you need to stay ahead in the game.

Start date: June 1
School: University of Victoria

Soft Skills

Essential Soft Skills Training

Soft skills for a strong foundation in workplace performance.

Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest or most intelligent who will survive, but those who can best manage change,” and managing change requires essential soft skills. While hard skills (or technical knowledge) are still important, the increased use of technological and AI advancements in the workplace means that things can change quickly, and employers are looking for people who can demonstrate the human touch that machines cannot replace. The Essential Soft Skills Training (ESST) micro-credential will complement your hard skills and give your career a strong foundation for growth.

Start Date: May 30
School: University of Victoria

Administrative Skills

Administrative Technology

Need to quickly gain the skills employers are seeking for managing today’s computerized office?

The role of administrative professionals has changed a lot over the years. While the development of new technology and software tools has arguably made many tasks easier and more efficient, understanding and integrating these new technologies can also demand new knowledge and skill sets. This three-course program equips learners with the critical skills sought by employers to succeed in a computerized office — from software and database management to data analytics skills, cloud-based applications, digital communication and more.

Start Dates: Various
School: University of Victoria

Communication Skills

Business Communication

Effective communication skills can help you go places.

If you believe that effective business communication is a vital part of the workplace and you’re looking to excel in it, the Professional Development Certificate in Business Communication can get you there in no time! This versatile program provides practical information and easily applied strategies to help you become a confident communicator in any industry. With a focus on developing self-assurance, you’ll learn to foster trust, provide clarity and direction, create better relationships, and promote team building as you go places in your career.

Dates: Various
Shool: University of Victoria

Data Analytics

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

Curious minds can discover a diamond in the rough.

Data on its own is like “a diamond in the rough”—its true value is only uncovered once you polish it to a shine. The Professional Development Certificate in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) provides you with the tools, plans and methods to help you give value and meaning to data, and guide you and your organization to success. As a professional who is naturally curious about the world of numbers, you’ll learn to convert raw data into valuable information, and to use this insight to solve real business problems.

Start Date: Various
School: University of Victoria

Digital Planning

Digital Planning for the Cultural Sector

Position your organization to thrive in a digital economy.

The question is no longer whether digital technologies have a place in museums and cultural organizations, rather the question now is how to best implement them. From providing engaging learner experiences, digitizing collections, improving wayfinding for visitors, curating the visitor journey, connecting with new audiences and streamlining operations, technology has diverse and growing applications in the cultural sector. The Digital Planning for the Cultural Sector micro-credential program looks at ways technology is being used in the cultural sector and gives you the in-demand knowledge and skills you need to help your organization thrive in the digital economy. Embrace the opportunity that technology in the cultural sector can offer.

Start Date: Sept. 12
School: University of Victoria

Health Care

Strategies and Actions for Independent Living

Help keep home care clients safe at home.

Home care aides know that the overwhelming majority of their clients are determined to age in place. The care and expertise of these aides makes it possible for their clients to fulfil their desire to live safely and independently at home. The Strategies and Actions for Independent Living professional development certificate program provides specialized training in fall prevention to broaden the skill set of home care aides and recognize their crucial role in improving their clients’ quality of life.

Start Date: Oct. 14
School: University of Victoria

Health Care

Palliative Care Pharmacy

Make a difference in the quality of life—and quality of death—for those in palliative care.

Pharmacists play a vital role for those facing serious illness and end of life. The Palliative Care Pharmacy professional development certificate program explores the principles of palliative care and equips pharmacists to contribute unique expertise to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Learn what you need to know to improve patients’ quality of life and contribute within the interprofessional palliative care team.

Duration: Oct 14
School: University of Victoria

Health Care

Canadian Fall Prevention Curriculum

Step-by-step planning for fall prevention.

The prevention of injuries due to falls is a critical component in senior health and maintaining quality of life. Thankfully, there are tools and skills that can be put into place to mitigate those risks. The Canadian Fall Prevention Curriculum program focuses on step-by-step, evidence-based processes for how to develop and implement a solid fall prevention plan for long-term care facilities, assisted living residences, community centres and other organizations. Help protect the health and safety of your community with this micro-credential training program suitable for anyone working with older adults.

Start Date: May 6
School: University of Victoria

Health Care

Wound Management for Health Professionals

Online, facilitated wound care education. 

You want to provide the highest level of care to your clients. You’d also like to take advantage of career opportunities for those who have advanced knowledge in wound care, as Wound Champions. Engaging in continuing education keeps your career moving forward. Chronic and acute wound prevention and treatment require a strong foundation in the theory of wound management and the skills to apply those principles in practice, in an evidence-informed way. This online program for health care professionals is grounded in the most current evidence and trends in wound care. 

Start Date: Various
School: University of Victoria

Delivered in partnership with:

South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) is an industry-led not-for-profit. The focus on micro-credentials as a way to rapidly upskill is a key recommendation of SIPP’s Rising Economy Taskforce and its report Reboot: Greater Victoria’s Economic Development Recovery Plan.