Don Eldridge
Program Manager,
eCampusOntario
Micro-credentials are fast, flexible, and affordable, helping Ontarians to upskill or reskill for today’s most in-demand careers.
Staying competitive in today’s job market takes more than just experience — it requires lifelong learning. For those looking to upskill, reskill, or pivot into a new role or industry, micro-credentials offer a smart, practical solution.
Micro-credentials are short, focused certification programs designed to build job-specific skills or competencies. Offered by Ontario’s colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes, they provide a fast, flexible, and affordable way to upskill or reskill for Ontario’s most in-demand jobs — including valuable roles in tech, health care, and the trades.
Supporting your career development
The Micro-credentials Portal from eCampusOntario is a one-stop hub where learners can explore micro-credentials across the province, filter by subject or institution, and find programs that fit their goals, budget, and schedule. Not sure what you’re looking for? Start by simply entering your job title to discover training programs that’ll help you develop in-demand skills.
Mediaplanet spoke with Don Eldridge, Program Manager at eCampusOntario, to learn more about how micro-credentials can help learners unlock their potential and elevate their careers.
What makes micro-credentials such a valuable tool for today’s working professionals?
Micro-credentials are designed to meet the needs of real people living and working in a fast-changing world. Many of us will change not just jobs, but entire careers — and each of those career moves will be shaped by new technologies, different ways of working, and global shifts that affect where and how we work. To keep up, we need to keep learning.
Micro-credentials are designed to meet the needs of real people living and working in a fast-changing world.
Micro-credentials focus on specific, in-demand skills that help you grow in your current role or prepare for something new. They’re built to work with what you already know, adding new competencies that can take your experience further. Whether you’re looking to move up in your career, shift to a new field, or simply stay current, micro-credentials offer a fast, flexible way to get there.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career pivot or seeking to future-proof their skills?
Start by embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner. In today’s world, the only real constant is change. Over just the past five years, we’ve seen a global pandemic reshape how and where we work, economic uncertainty driven by shifting global relationships, and rapid advances in technology that are transforming entire industries. These kinds of seismic shifts aren’t going away. From automation and AI to political and social change, the world of work will continue to evolve in ways that are sometimes hard to predict. That’s why it’s essential to stay agile, adaptable, and open to learning new skills throughout your career.
Where can learners get started?
Visit the Micro-credentials Portal, Ontario’s official upskilling platform. Discover more than 2,600 micro-credentials from Ontario’s colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes – all in one place. You can search by job title, skill, tool, technology, or keyword and instantly find personalized results that align with your goals.
Each course listing shows job outlooks, related careers, and the specific tools or competencies you’ll develop — so you’re not just choosing a course, you’re making a more informed career decision.
Learn more at microlearnontario.ca or sign up for our email list for a chance to win one of five $50 Visa gift cards.
