The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been awarded funds for the development of three microcredentials designed to meet regional workforce needs.
The grants provided by the Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA) are part of the organization’s Microcredential Project, which targets individuals seeking employment or upskilling in high-demand fields.
“For decades, the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education has offered professional development programs in areas like teacher education and counseling, and with these microcredentials, we will now be able to meet growing workforce needs by fast-tracking people into high-demand careers,” says Matt Vick, dean.
Construction Safety Microcredential
Designed for current high school students and those looking to retool to enter the construction industry, the Construction Safety Microcredential is comprised of three courses that could be taught through dual enrollment within local high schools. The courses offered are designed by the Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources (OPLR), ensuring high-quality learning experience, in a consistent and user-friendly format. The unique course offerings provide experiential learning to individuals that may not otherwise consider a four-year institution and supports the need for entry-level safety training beyond the required OSHA certifications. Successful completion of at least two courses opens doors within the construction industry and transferability to Wisconsin two- and four-year partners, and will result in a microcredential. UWW looks forward to partnering with local high schools, and regional employers to implement this microcredential. Courses will be available to student learners beginning spring 2026.
Supply Chain Microcredential
Healthcare professionals seeking to transition into managerial roles are the target audience for this program, which is designed to address critical gaps in the healthcare sector by equipping professionals — especially nurses — with essential supply chain skills. The online modules focus on healthcare-specific challenges in planning, sourcing, production, and logistics, offering practical solutions to operational inefficiencies like stockouts, overstocking, and high costs. This promotes career advancement by enabling learners to transition into managerial roles, enhancing their ability to optimize operations and improve patient care. Successful completion of the microcredential is equivalent to a three-credit college course and learners who demonstrate competencies are eligible to pursue credit for prior learning, ensuing applicability towards degrees in healthcare administration and supply chain management. Partnerships with local healthcare systems are underway, with a cohort starting as soon as fall.
Microcredential on Cybersecurity Assessment of Payment Systems
Business are required by law to comply with payment standards, and the Microcredential on Cybersecurity Assessment of Payment Systems is designed for non-traditional learners and high school students to gain critical knowledge on an important aspect of cybersecurity assessment.
This microcredential will help learners prepare for individual certification (PCI Professional), pursue a degree program, and build a pathway to secure entry-level positions in the high-demand cybersecurity workforce. The program will be offered in a fully-online, asynchronous format, making it highly accessible to students. Successful completion of the microcredential will result in six-college credits, which will count towards the Information Technology major, and Cybersecurity and Networking emphasis. UWW looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Wisconsin Cyber Response Team to enhance the success of this program.
Courses in microcredential programs focus the educational expertise of academic institutions into shorter, stackable, skills-based non-degree credentials, and can typically be completed in 2-4 months.
Recruitment for the microcredential programs is slated to begin in summer 2025.
UW-Whitewater’s involvement in the Microcredential Project is another example of the university’s recent work to address needs in the workforce. In 2022, the university added a Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education Policy to help combat a nationwide childcare crisis. UW-Whitewater at Rock County’s Nursing Collaborative with Edgewood College, launched in 2023, takes on the critical need for nurses in the region.
For more information on the Microcredential Project at UW-Whitewater contact Continuing Education at contined@uww.edu.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the University boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities. Continuing Education is committed to meeting the lifelong learning needs of the residents of our region in offering a variety of classes, workshops and trainings that respond to the changing personal and professional interests of adult learners by connecting the University and community.
About HERA
The Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA) is a collaborative of 16 Southeastern Wisconsin public and private, two- and four-year colleges and universities and a network of partner organizations. HERA is dedicated to closing achievement gaps and educating students today to become an innovative and nimble workforce that meets the needs of the region’s industries tomorrow.
