New Funding Boosts Lakehead University’s Micro-Credentials for In-Demand Jobs – NetNewsLedger

– Lakehead University has secured $190,580 from the Ontario government’s Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund to develop innovative training programs tailored to meet the region’s evolving labour market demands.

This year, Ontario is investing $5 million in 88 micro-credential projects across the province, enabling postsecondary institutions to collaborate with industry partners to create or expand rapid training programs that align with local workforce needs.

“The Micro-credentials Challenge Fund brings industry and institutions together to create programs that strengthen Ontario’s workforce and economy,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Micro-credentials reflect current and local labour market needs and immediately prepare students for industry-relevant opportunities in their region.”

Lakehead University’s Funded Projects

Lakehead University has launched four key projects:

1. Archaeological Monitoring and Mapping for Indigenous Communities (AMMIC) Program:
   • Led by: Department of Anthropology
   • Focus: Addressing the shortage of archaeological technicians in Northern Ontario while creating employment opportunities for Indigenous individuals in the cultural resources management (CRM) industry.
   • Partners: Non-profit organization, CRM industry representatives, Indigenous community representatives.
2. Micro-Credential in Health Information Management:
   • Led by: Dr. ShiKui Wu and Dr. Michael S. Dohan, Faculty of Business Administration
   • Focus: Teaching the fundamentals of health data and information management to support healthcare operations and decision-making.
   • Partners: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), 807 Management Services.
3. Risk Management for Indigenous Land-Based Practitioners Micro-Credential:
   • Led by: Dr. Leigh Potvin and Dr. Julie Rosenthal, School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism
   • Focus: Delivering risk management training for employees coordinating land-based therapeutic programming in remote settings.
   • Partners: Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Dilico Anishnabek Family Care, Métis Nation of Ontario.
4. Specialized Skills for Northern, Rural, and Remote Health:
   • Led by: Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
   • Focus: Creating micro-credentials addressing gaps in perinatal healthcare, health leadership, mental health, and addictions in northern, rural, and remote areas.
   • Partners: Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity at NOSM University, Northwestern Ontario Health Human Resources Taskforce (NWO HHR), Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), Seven Generations Education Institute.

These projects will be facilitated through Lakehead’s Community Zone, providing accessible community learning, professional development, and training opportunities across Northwestern and Central Ontario.

“Each of the projects funded through Ontario’s Micro-credential Challenge Fund addresses critical training needs identified by our industry partners,” said Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, Associate Vice-Provost (Academic). “This funding will enable Lakehead to fulfill our commitment to developing non-credit programming that meets emerging labour market needs and achieves the key priorities set out in our strategic and academic plans.”