Net zero engineering, food science and cybersecurity courses have made a list of 28 “micro-credentials” aimed at preparing Australian workers for the jobs of the future.
The federal government will funnel a total of $18.5 million into developing the micro-credential courses that will help workers skill up quickly in areas where there are talent shortages.
The 28 short courses funded in the first round of the pilot program are focused on the “priority areas” of engineering, technology, science, health and education.
Education Minister Jason Clare said the course would help workers prepare for the jobs of the future.
“This pilot means more Australians can get the skills in areas we need, such as teaching, nursing and engineering,” the minister said.
Students will be able to access short courses on drone mapping and navigation, timber home design, and hydrogen production aimed at engineers.
The grants will go to universities and non-university higher education providers.
Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson welcomed the government’s support of short courses.
“Government backing of universities to deliver these courses is further reinforcement of the essential role we play in educating the skilled workers Australia desperately needs,” she said.
The government has already launched a “MicroCred Seeker” platform that already has 80 courses on offer.
-AAP
