In what might be underreported news today...

Some spectacular policy was announced this morning by @RossRomanoSSM in partnership with @eCampusOntario to expand micro-credentials in Ontario.

A quick #thread on how this will help solve the skills gap https://twitter.com/RossRomanoSSM/status/1385606216513167366

Micro-credentials are rapid training programs that help people retrain and upgrade their skills to find new employment.

They're widely applicable, with pilots underway for battery manufacturing, caregiving, and digital marketing.

Sounds like a great idea right? So why haven't they been more widely adopted?

One barrier is limited financial assistance, which Ontario solved for last month when they become the first province to make over 600 micro-credentials eligible for student aid https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60792/ontario-expands-financial-assistance-to-include-micro-credentials

Another barrier is about how to encourage local partnerships that address local skill needs.

In other words, how to match supply (people who want training) with demand (employers looking for skilled talent)

This is where today's announcement comes in

Two important changes:
$15M to reward innovative proposals that enhance local partnerships & drive economic growth
New matching service to help connect employers with educators available below

https://micro.ecampusontario.ca/ 

All of this would be impossible without the leadership of @robertlukedotca and the whole team at @eCampusOntario - am incredibly thankful for their leadership and drive to get this work done for Ontarians