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Melba has partnered with RMIT Online to launch two microcredentials: Foundations of Accessible and Inclusive Workplaces, and Human Rights in the Support Context. RMIT Online CEO Nic Cola reveals why they will supercharge your career.

Who are the microcredentials targeted at?

Microcredentials are typically targeted at professionals looking to upskill or reskill in specific areas and lifelong learners who want to stay updated in their fields without committing to a full degree program.

At RMIT Online, we have had over 20,000 learners take one of our microcredentials and the outcomes they want range from gaining broader skill sets so they can take on new roles or remain relevant in their current role.

Our students are from all over Australia and are typically between 25-45, with some form of tertiary education behind them. So, this is really about honing and expanding their current skills

How do RMIT Online’s microcredentials fit into RMIT’s broader educational strategy and mission?

RMIT’s motto has long been “a skilled hand, a cultivated mind” which reflects RMIT’s commitment to improving the lives and futures of people in a fast-changing society.

Our strategy has three core pillars: learning through life and work, research for innovation and impact and serving our communities.

We see microcredentials firmly aligning with how we provide learning through life and work by providing flexible, accessible education that responds to industry demands. They allow us to offer targeted, relevant education that can quickly adapt to the needs of the modern workforce, supporting lifelong learning and the professional development of individuals.

What advantages do microcredentials offer over traditional degree programs, especially in today’s rapidly evolving job market?

Microcredentials offer flexibility, shorter completion times and focused learning in specific skills or areas of expertise. They also allow individuals to quickly gain and demonstrate competencies that are immediately applicable to their jobs, making them particularly valuable in fast-changing industries.

How does RMIT Online ensure the quality and relevance of microcredentials compared with full-degree programs?

There are two key ways that RMIT Online ensures the quality and relevance.

First of all, our microcredentials are born out of an industry need. RMIT Online has had a long tradition of partnering with industry to co-design courses that address a need and the way we have approached building our microcredentials is true to this. So, industry is involved in every step of the way, from identifying the skills gap, providing input into the learning objectives and how we assess the outcomes to providing mentors to support our students.

The other way is that, as a subsidiary of a university, we provide the same rigour and oversight on curriculum quality as we do with all our programs. That includes not only the content, but our approach to student support, engagement and continuous improvement.

The quality of our microcredentials and the recognition we have with industry as a quality education provider whose graduates come out with practical skills is a key reason why students choose RMIT Online.

What steps are being taken to ensure that microcredentials are accessible and affordable to a diverse range of learners?

With the microcredentials we offer flexibility, with our courses designed for online with the ability to progress at your own pace. This makes learning accessible to busy, working professionals who quite often have to juggle busy lives with work and study.

The very nature of microcredentials – shorter forms of learning that can be applied immediately – means it is affordable for the learner. They are paying only for what they need, when they need it, rather than learning skills that may not be applied for several years, as is the case with longer forms of learning.

What resources are available to students pursuing microcredentials, such as career guidance or networking opportunities?

Alum who have completed microcredentials or Future Skills short courses are invited to attend our industry expert webinars called “On the Couch” and our online Masterclasses, they also receive regular communications from RMIT Online post-study.

Successful learners also receive the digital badge to showcase their skills on their personal social networking channels, such as LinkedIn, which allow them to promote their ability to current or future employers.

What learning materials are provided with the microcredentials, and do people have access to online resources such as library services?

The nature of microcredentials means the learning is completed online and mostly when the learner has the time to do so. This means that learners don’t have access to university services, but they will receive access to supplementary software, such as Monday, Adobe or CoPilot for the duration of their course if the topic requires it.

How are microcredentials recognised or accredited within professional communities?

Our approach to building microcredentials is to work with industry to ensure that the skills are relevant and recognised. For some microcredentials, there are industry accreditation, which usually comes after some form of assessment. Longer-form short courses, like our Future Skills portfolio which can run from six to eight weeks, have a human mentor to guide and assess learners on their project, while our microcredentials, like the ones offered from Melba, are designed with experts to ensure knowledge and skills are industry aligned within the community. Employers value skills, and they value initiative. Microcredentials are evidence of both.

What role do microcredentials play in RMIT Online’s commitment to lifelong learning and continuing education for professionals?

Microcredentials are a key part of RMIT Online’s strategy to promote lifelong learning. They offer professionals the opportunity to continually update their skills, stay competitive in their fields and respond to changes in industry demands without the need for a full degree program which can often be costly and a significant decision. Some short courses, which are 60 hours long, can stack into accredited program credits and act as a tester should learners want to pursue further education goals.

Why partner with Melba?

Melba and RMIT Online have partnered to create two microcredentials that reflect their shared commitment to empowering communities through accessible education and skills development. This collaboration combines Melba’s dedication to enriching the lives of people with disability and fostering inclusive communities with RMIT Online’s expertise in delivering flexible, industry-relevant learning. Together, we aim to provide targeted, practical training that equips learners with essential skills, promoting greater inclusion, professional growth, and positive impact within the community.

For more information about Melba’s microcredentials, go to Melba Learn.