Students, educational providers, and employers are all seeking innovative strategies to ensure their futures in this era of uncertainty. As the higher education sector begins planning for the fall semester and beyond, creating new stackable credential pathways are seen as one such innovation.
Many colleges have started to embed industry certifications, independent credentials that measure knowledge for competent performance in a specific job or field, (not to be confused with licenses or certificates) into undergraduate and graduate degrees, so that students benefit from a broad-based education as well as specific skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing workplace. This strategy provides life-long pathways to good jobs and is growing in popularity.
In a recent Strada Education Network survey, 30% of respondents believed that if they lost their job, they would need more education to replace it. A slightly higher number said they would look to change careers. So it is no surprise that the majority of adults considering enrolling in an education or training program in the next six months prefer non-degree programs and two-thirds are seeking education to gain skills for a new or current career rather than for personal interests.