MICROCREDENTIALS

Covid-19 has impacted global economies, and the economic landscape of Cape Breton Island is no exception. Many industries are experiencing unavailability of a skilled labour force. The World Tourism Institute (WTI) at Cape Breton University is embracing the needs of a post-pandemic society, leading innovatively with the development of microcredentials. Specifically, development efforts relate directly to the Tourism Industry on Cape Breton Island, post-pandemic. WTI direction is industry-lead. Tourism industry operators on island provide relevant input to skills gaps, labour force need, and areas of interest for growth. This data informs decision making related to the on-going development of WTI, CBU microcredentials.

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Microcredentials are an educational avenue that supports the acquisition of competency-based learnings, increasing the employability of industry participants. They are a form of a rapid training program that helps match your skill sets with demands of employers. Short learning experiences are outcome-based and require evidence of learning. Delivery formats are flexible, in-person or virtually. 

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Some examples of recent microcredentials developed through the WTI include: 

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Microcredential in Tourism & Cultural Awareness 

 

The microcredential in Cultural Awareness is intended to equip participants with the knowledge required to work and volunteer successfully in a cross-cultural environment. Participants to this microcredential may be a member of a multicultural team; they may find themselves volunteering or working abroad, they may be providing services to people from different cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this microcredential in Cultural Awareness is to create an awareness and a willingness to try and understand not only 'others', but also oneself.

 

Microcredential Suite in Events Management 

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The microcredential in Event Budgeting is intended to equip participants with the ability to create a solid budget, fostering attention to planning, detail, and organization, preventing over-spending. It is intended to enable the event organizer to predict with reasonable accuracy whether the event will result in a profit, loss, or break-even situation. Content for this microcredential will specifically focus on events as they related to the Tourism Industry on Cape Breton Island with consideration of Canadian events standards.

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The microcredential in Event Logistics will address elements involved in the planning and management of technical and logistical support pre-event and during its delivery to ensure its seamless execution. The learner will choose an appropriate type of event and create a detailed logistics plan for that event, paying specific attention to infrastructure and venue details. Content for this microcredential will specifically focus on events as they related to the Tourism Industry on Cape Breton Island with consideration of Canadian events standards.

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The microcredential in Events Marketing is intended to equip participants with the skills to develop an effective and feasible marketing and promotions plan applicable to events of many shapes and sizes. Keeping the Cape Breton Island festival and event context in mind, the importance of planning, targeting, determining clear goals and objectives, and tools to measure success will be included in this microcredential.