Higher education providers can now apply for funding to deliver microcredentials in priority areas such as teaching, nursing, IT and engineering from mid-2024.
The Albanese Government is investing more than $10 million in 50 new microcredential courses to equip the workforce with the technical skills and know-how we need.
Microcredentials are small courses designed to upskill and reskill workers in short timeframes.
The new courses will target areas of national priority such as teaching, engineering, health, and technology.
This is the second round of the Microcredentials Pilot for Higher Education. The first round of funding has already delivered up to $7.75 million for 28 new microcredential courses at 18 universities throughout Australia.
Microcredentials offer students increased flexibility to mix and match studies across the higher education sector to enable them to find a new job or get ahead in their current field.
They also have the potential to expand university and industry collaboration and improve the higher education sector's ability to respond to industry needs.
This initiative forms part of our efforts to promote lifelong learning, which is a key reform direction outlined in the Employment White Paper and the Universities Accord Interim Report.
Applications for Round 2 open today and more information is available at www.education.gov.au/microcredentials-pilot-higher-education.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, Jason Clare:
"With more and more jobs requiring a post-school qualification, it is increasingly important for people to upskill and reskill throughout their careers.
"Microcredentials can help Australians prepare for the jobs of the future.
"This investment means more Australians can get the skills in areas we need, such as teaching, nursing, and engineering."
