Rockland Community College Offers Microcredentials

Press release from Rockland Community College:

2024-09-17

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. (September 17, 2024) – Rockland Community College is offering four microcredentialing initiatives to help students distinguish themselves in a competitive marketplace. Microcredentials fully leverage workforce capabilities with highly marketable skills by gaining specific knowledge in emerging fields and promoting professional growth for students in a new distance economy. They are aligned with high-demand industry areas to help employers navigate digital transformation and identify a new way of doing business while closing the skills gap. Microcredentials and skills badges are used by students to upskill for better career opportunities or stack toward a degree for added value and greater marketability.

At present, 23 credit-bearing microcredentials are offered, including Automotive Technology Fundamentals program, Early Childhood Education Fundamentals program, IT Support Professional – Desktop Support and Networking and Security programs, and Firefighter & Emergency Service I and Firefighter & Emergency Service II.

“Our goal with this initiative is to meet the emerging demands of both our students and employers, to accelerate the pace of economic progress in our community,” states Dr. Victoria Ukachukwu, Provost of Rockland Community College. “We are preparing students with the essential skills and certifications to enhance their employability, ensuring they are well equipped to compete in a dynamic and constantly evolving job market.”

In the Automotive Technology Fundamentals microcredential, students take two college courses to earn the microcredential. Upon successful completion of the requirements, students are prepared to apply for quick lane, lube tech, prep tech, or entry-level positions with an automotive dealership or repair shop. Participants will learn about career opportunities through our industry partners, and be able to seamlessly transition to the automotive technology degree program. The shortage of automotive technicians is expected to grow to over 800,000 by 2025.

Early Childhood Education Fundamentals microcredential is designed for those who aspire to work with children from birth to 5 years of age. Participants will learn about the developmental needs of infants and toddlers, as well as the interconnections between history, theory, culture, research, and practice in diverse educational settings. They will also document educational outcomes. Fieldwork is required. This microcredential aligns with the college coursework required for New York State Level II and III Teaching Assistant certifications.

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York sunyrockland.edu

This press release was produced by Rockland Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.