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Red Deer Polytechnic set to launch five new micro-credential programs

Red Deer Polytechnic will expand its program offerings with five micro-credential programs over the next two years.
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Red Deer Polytechnic will launch a handful of new micro-credential programs in the next two years. (Contributed photo)

Red Deer Polytechnic will expand its program offerings with five micro-credential programs over the next two years.

RDP’s Extended Education will offer several micro-credential programs starting in 2022-23, including Complex Care and Patient Navigator and Classroom Support Aide. The three other programs that will be launched in 2023-24 are Statistical Consultant, Photovoltaic Systems: Design and Install, and Substance and Addictions Support Worker.

Last week, the province announced RDP will receive $340,950 for micro-credential programs. Micro-credentials are short-term programs that aim to create new opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Albertans to quickly re-skill or upskill in the changing economy.

“We are excited to expand our breadth of programming in the micro-credential space and are appreciative of the support from the Ministry of Advanced Education to develop and launch new micro-credentials at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Kylie Thomas, Vice President Academic and Provost.

“These micro-credentials increase opportunities for learners and the workforce to evolve their skills in their current profession or to prepare them to embark on a new career path. Micro-credentials are a means to upskill and reskill for today’s labour market.”

The funding comes from the Alberta at Work initiative introduced in Budget 2022 and builds on the $5.6 million used to launch a micro-credential pilot program in 2021.

The new funding will support the development of 69 micro-credential programs at 21 post-secondary institutions across the province.

“The five new Red Deer Polytechnic micro-credentials incorporate the pillars contained within the Government of Alberta’s Recovery Plan,” noted Thomas.

“These micro-credentials will help to address labour market demands, to strengthen the province’s workforce, and to contribute to the economic growth of the province in diverse ways.”