Why credentials are needed to transform the future workforce
The world of education is changing – and Siemens is at the forefront with a new credentialing program to transform the future workforce.
Technologies like AI, data analytics and automation are driving significant changes in nearly every facet of the manufacturing industry. These changes are creating seismic shifts accordingly in the labor market, forcing academic institutions and employers alike to rethink the way we prepare students for the workforce and find new talent.
One of the biggest changes is the growing focus on different credentials that can supplement traditional degree programs. In a recent survey of students, jobseekers and people seeking to change careers, IBM found that 75% of all respondents agreed that digital credentials are a good way to supplement traditional education. Furthermore, of the survey respondents who have earned a digital credential, 86% agreed that it helped them achieve career goals.
Siemens has introduced a new credentialing program to meet this demand. This initiative offers microcredentials, digital badges, certifications and more to help prepare students for impactful careers in industry.
But what are microcredentials – and how are they different than digital badges or certifications? And why are these credentials so valuable for employers, students and educators alike?
In this blog, we’re answering these questions and more. But if you’d like to learn more about this topic, check out our on-demand webinar for a deep dive.
What exactly is a credential?
A credential is an umbrella term for “proof of learning” – it’s a verification that a student has acquired specific knowledge or skills. Badges, microcredentials, certifications and traditional degrees are all examples of credentials.
Why are so many employers and universities creating new credential programs?
In brief, credentials help bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering proof of learning for key skills. In contrast to a traditional degree that may take four years to obtain, many credentials can be earned in days, weeks or months.
Achieving and maintaining alignment between academia and industry is a persistent challenge, but digital transformation is increasing the pressure on employers to find new ways to source qualified talent for technical roles.
Furthermore, while traditional engineering degrees provide a vital foundation for successful careers in industry, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with additional credentials on their resume.
For example, many employers value candidates with knowledge of emerging technologies and strong interpersonal skills. With industry leaders seeking to reduce the need for onboarding, these skills are crucial.
Credentials offer a way for students to verify their skills, knowledge and competencies in these areas. In other words, credentials connect the dots between theory and practice, demonstrating that a learner holds a “day one” readiness for industry roles.
For educators, credential programs offer a meaningful way to engage and further prepare students for making an impact in their careers. Whether it’s building a more sustainable future or driving innovation on interdisciplinary teams, Siemens’ credential program offers educators a streamlined process for equipping their students with these capabilities in a verified manner.
It’s important to note that this program is designed to supplement traditional degree programs, offering students a way to expand upon the key skills and foundational knowledge covered in their degrees.
What are microcredentials – and how are they different than digital badges or certifications?
A microcredential is a type of credential that validates a student has learned a body of skills or knowledge related to a particular discipline or topic. While some credentials, like a degree, may take years to obtain, a microcredential can be earned in hours, weeks or months.
In addition to more traditional qualifications like degrees and experience with internships or co-ops, microcredentials are an excellent way to gauge a candidate’s readiness to start adding value from their first day on the job.
A digital badge is a type of microcredential with a focus on a single topic or skill. Earners of digital badges also receive a virtual medal that can be displayed online, on social media, on LinkedIn or even in email signatures. For example, Siemens offers a Credly badge for completing a course introducing digital transformation.
By partnering with Siemens, employers and educators can create their own digital badges. Additionally, employers can access a candidate database of learners who have opted in to share their digital badges. They can search and filter for candidates with just the right mix of digital badges for their hiring needs.
A certification is a type of credential that validates the learner has met certain requirements such as passing an external exam to demonstrate competency with a specific tool, software or skill set.
Certifications are valuable for employers who have a need for a talent pool with expertise with specific software platforms or tools.
What makes Siemens’ credential program different?
Siemens’ credential program is unique in that we are closely partnering with academic institutions and leading employers alike to create credentials that address real industry needs. In addition to offering credentials for expertise with specific software platforms, Siemens also offers credentials covering aspects of the true digital mindset needed to thrive in today’s manufacturing and engineering environments. This includes credentials for interpersonal and leadership skills and a willingness to explore how different processes can be improved with new technologies.
Recently, Siemens partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder for a graduate credential program focused on sustainability, with two courses now live – Applied Sustainability Engineering and Sustainability and the Circular Economy. During her tenure as faculty director of the Engineering Management Program at CU Boulder, Dr. Christy Bozic said the following insights about the partnership:
“Partnering with Siemens Digital Industries Software to develop a credential focused on applied sustainability enables us to create a future that provides both economic success and a more enduring, resilient, and sustainable planet. Siemens is a leader in sustainability, and combining our academic and industry expertise through this credential will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainability into engineering design and processes, benefiting both companies and society as a whole.”
Recruiting the talent needed for the workforce of tomorrow will be no easy feat. But the manufacturers who take a proactive approach to sourcing tomorrow’s candidates today will see tremendous success with accelerated digital transformation initiatives.
Are you ready to transform the future workforce with us?
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