Conestoga, in partnership with Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Mohawk College and Niagara College, will launch a new Manufacturing Leadership micro-credential in fall 2024 as part of an initiative of the provincial government to help prepare and upgrade Ontario’s workforce to address labour market needs.
The new Manufacturing Leadership micro-credential consists of six courses, each 21 hours in length, that were designed with extensive industry input.
The micro-credential will be offered through the School of Business - Continuing Education and Part-time Studies, which was recently awarded a grant from the Government of Ontario under the Micro-credential Challenge Fund - Round 2. Conestoga is the lead partner for the funding.
“We’re honoured to be chosen by the provincial government to participate in and lead such an important program that aligns with Conestoga’s key objective of training job-ready students who are strategically targeted to meet evolving labour market demands,” said Lil Premsukh Singh, dean, School of Business - Graduate Studies.
The micro-credential consists of six courses, each 21 hours in length, that were designed with extensive industry input. Key topics include emerging advanced manufacturing trends, current technologies, process improvement, employee health and safety and effective people leadership skills. To help today’s emerging leaders meet the talent needs of modern advanced manufacturing facilities, a theme of designing and nurturing equitable, diverse and inclusive work environments will run throughout.
“Today's advanced manufacturing leaders must demonstrate multifaceted people management skills combined with a high level of technical expertise,” said Lorna Hart, chair, School of Business - Continuing Education and Part-time Studies.
“The Manufacturing Leadership micro-credential will prepare early career and prospective manufacturing leaders to plan and organize work for maximum efficiency, develop engaged and inclusive teams, and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.”
To provide maximum flexibility for working professionals, the courses will be offered online asynchronously in a carefully designed, fully immersive, faculty-led environment. Sponsored deliveries for groups can also be arranged to meet the needs of employers.
Registration for the Manufacturing Leadership micro-credential is now open. Prospective students and interested employers can contact manufacturingleadership@conestogac.on.ca to learn more.
Micro-credentials are short, concentrated groups of courses that are innovative, timely, and based on industry needs. They’re practical with a direct application to employment and offered on campus, online or in hybrid formats. Some can be combined to form a part of a larger credential.
Conestoga’s micro-credentials are a good option for people who are already working and interested in adding to their skills for their current job or to pursue a promotion or new position, or for those who want to try out a profession to see if it’s a good fit.
Conestoga’s School of Business provides numerous opportunities and pathways to complete, specialize or expand business education through full- or part-time studies. Its programs reflect today’s business needs across a wide range of credentials from apprenticeships, one-year certificates, two- and three-year advanced diplomas, to graduate certificates, micro-credentials and degree opportunities that include multiple specializations.