Sheridan continues to support flexible, rapid re-skilling for Ontario’s workforce with the launch of new micro-credentials in three of the college’s signature areas of expertise: robotics, cyber security and virtual production. The new programming is made possible by a recent investment of more than $1M from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Ontario Micro-Credentials Challenge Fund, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
The programming, led by Sheridan Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS), draws expertise from several of Sheridan’s Faculties and Research Centres, and supports Ontario’s micro-credential strategy to help learners across Ontario access more opportunities to train or upskill for in-demand jobs.
Micro-credentials are short-duration postsecondary offerings designed to help workers hone specialized skills in response to emerging market demands, and can often be combined or ‘stacked’. Sheridan has a strong record of developing and delivering micro-credential programming that aligns with industry needs, launching more than 15 of these offerings since 2020.
The funding supports Sheridan’s launch of the following micro-credentials:
Robotics and Industrial Applications: learners will acquire skills in the fundamentals of industrial robotic systems, robot operations, programing, testing, running, creating tools, user and jog frames, input and output signals, programming branching instructions, and executing production operations.
Cyber Security – Offensive Cyber Security and Defensive Cyber Security: presents technical professionals or those with some technical background the opportunity to quickly retrain or upskill into a lucrative cyber security career. Students will conduct risk assessments, become familiar with security controls, and learn about regulatory, legal, and ethical issues in cyber security.
Virtual Production: as virtual production quickly becomes the new industry standard for film and television due to rapid technology advancement, this micro-credential will allow learners to augment their existing production experience with remote and in-person virtual production training, with a focus on one of three streams (Art Direction in Unreal Engine, Motion Capture Technician and Unreal Engine On-set Technician).
A variety of industry experts from each respective sector will actively participate in the curriculum development process to ensure strong ties to market needs. The programming will also engage Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST), the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT), and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHASS).
“As the economy recovers, how we do business – and the skills employees need to succeed – will also change. Postsecondary education will play an essential role in preparing these workers with specialized skills for the new world of work,” says Nazlin Hirji, Executive Director, CAPS. “We are grateful for this significant investment from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, which will allow Sheridan to work closely with local industry to re-skill their workforce and prepare new graduates with in-demand skills.”
This award also includes a significant investment in Sheridan’s robotics and cybersecurity labs through the purchase of $200,000 in capital equipment.
CAPS and FAST also received a Community Impact Award from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities valued at more than $600,000, which will allow Sheridan’s teams to scale the Robotics and Industrial Applications micro-credential program within the Peel Region to drive economic recovery. The award will help Sheridan develop robust business development and industry engagement resources to amplify the impact of the micro-credential programming.
