Skip to content
Home > Future of Work > The future is micro: Digital…

Future of work

A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labour market.

The future is micro: Digital learning and micro-credentials for education, retraining and lifelong learning. Diversity Institute, Future Skills Centre, eCampusOntario, Magnet.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT THE SOURCE
Key Takeaway
To demonstrate mastery, micro-credentials must be agile, responsive and flexible; created collaboratively by educators, employers and learners; and focused on developing workplace-related skills and competencies.

 

This report aims to provide a better understanding of micro-credentials, how they can support and advance people’s careers and, in doing so, strengthen the national workforce.

First, the report provides an overview of the micro-credential ecosystem in Canada, including definitions from a variety of sources. Second, feedback from participants across Ontario’s 36 pilot projects created using eCampusOntario’s Micro-credential Principles and Framework is collected and analyzed.

Finally, eight recommendations are offered to support the further development of Canada’s micro-credential ecosystem:

1) Create robust employer–educator networks to facilitate collaboration and connection across sectors

2) Conduct further research into the assessment methods that work best for micro-credentialing

3) Conduct a comprehensive mapping of skills in demand in the present and future

4) Amend the eCampusOntario Principles and Framework to account for the insights gathered in this report

5) Support experimental and innovative micro-credential development, delivery and pedagogy

6) Drive awareness of micro-credential potential and opportunity across Canada among educators, employers and learners

7) Conduct additional research on the potential of micro-credentials to better reach equity-seeking groups

8) Invest in research to capture feedback from learners and/or employers

New
April, 2025 | Wang, Z., Shakir, S., Servais, B., Osman, S., Hu, Y., Gamal, Y., Elshrief, M., Cloete, K. J., Mostafa, A., Santos, J., Xia, Y., Chen, C. X., Li, F., Hilal, I. H. I., Elsayed, A. E., Abdallatif, Y., Zhang, H., & Tsiroukis, F.
Key Takeaway: Emerging fields of science could reshape the landscapes of entire industries. Strong guardrails are needed to mitigate potential unintended risks for health, the environment, and labour markets.
New
December, 2024 | Public Policy Forum
Key Takeaway: Experts say that harmonizing regulations, modernizing copyright laws, strengthening cybersecurity, and upgrading Canada’s energy infrastructure are crucial for building a strong AI industry.
New
January, 2025 | Donald, F. & Janzen, N.
Key Takeaway: Researchers across Canada have been developing predictions and estimates for the potential impacts of tariffs by examining past trade policies and various economic factors.
New
March, 2025 | McMillan, H.
Key Takeaway: Tariffs are the latest factor expected to influence the labour market. Understanding how they will affect local labour markets and economies is crucial.
New
2025 | The Conference Board of Canada
Key Takeaway: The economy in Yukon is expected to grow by 41% from 2024 to 2045. However, the existing labour supply cannot meet the territory’s current labour demand.
New
2025 | Munro, D., & Lamb C.
Key Takeaway: Work-integrated learning programs that are short, flexible and less resource-intensive increase opportunities for students to develop professional skills and networks.
Load More

Contact Us

350 Sparks Street
Suite 604
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 0A4

Please enter your name.
Please enter a message.
Please check the captcha to verify you are not a robot.
Scroll To Top