Engineers Australia launches micro-credentials to boost engineering skills

Engineers Australia has launched stage one of its much-anticipated micro-credentialling as part of its efforts to combat Australia’s engineering skills shortage.

Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Jane MacMaster says the eight micro-credentials launched this week in partnership with Engineering Education Australia (EEA) will provide engineers working in highly skilled areas with the confidence they can practise their skills at a recognised standard.

“The micro-credentials Engineers Australia offers will assist engineers to ensure their knowledge and skills remain relevant to a very dynamic industry,” MacMaster said. “Technology, systems and ways of working are changing so fast, and industry is on the lookout for people who are up-to-date. Micro-credentials offer a fast way to build or extend existing skills and knowledge in a way that is validated against recognised practice.”

In addition to the professional skills essential for any kind of engineering career, Engineers Australia will also roll out micro-credentials for a range of industries. The first set, available now, covers the rail industry, while other already announced micro-credentials include communication, stakeholder engagement, risk management and ethical practice.

For those on the path to Chartered status, micro-credentials offer a chance to prove their ability with qualifications that can be used as evidence for the relevant Chartered engineer competency element.

“Engineers Australia micro-credentials are based on assessment of knowledge and experience to a level of acceptable industry practice,” said Engineering Education Australia General Manager Alexandra Sparvell. “That’s not something you can study for. That’s something you’ve got to demonstrate.”

More industries can look forward to micro-credentials covering their specific needs in the future, such as micro-credentials in construction engineering that will launch later this year.

Engineering Education Australia is the training provider of Engineers Australia, and delivers professional development courses and programs designed specifically for engineers.

Image: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Aleksandr Matveev