Joining the IT crowd has never been easier, thanks to a trio of micro-credentials offered by Red River College this fall to fill urgent workforce gaps in Manitoba’s information technology sector.

The new online courses are taught by experienced industry professionals and cover three skills — mobile app development, security intelligence, and predictive analytics modelling — that are highly sought-after by tech sector employers.

Two of the three courses — Security Intelligence Tech and Predictive Analytics Modeler — are being offered by RRC through a strategic partnership with IBM that will develop and deliver the curriculum through its Learn@IBM skills training platform.

“Red River College’s strong ties with Manitoba’s fast-growing tech sector ensures we are creating more accessible, flexible learning options that channel homegrown talent into workforce gaps with speed and precision,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic and Research at RRC.

“Micro-credentials such as these in support of the IT sector continue to position Red River College as the go-to source for rapid, relevant programming that meets student and labour market needs.”

RRC’s new Android Mobile Development course starts on the first of each month from September to December. The first mobile computing micro-credential to be offered in Manitoba, it covers the foundations of native mobile application development, including user-interface, notifications, event-driven programming, development environments, APIs, and tools such as emulators.

Students who complete the course earn a digital badge from RRC. Alumni of the College are eligible for a 10 per cent discount.

The other two courses, Security Intelligence Tech and Predictive Analytics Modeler via Learn@IBM, start Sept. 20. Security Intelligence Tech introduces learners to concepts of security intelligence necessary to identify threats to networks and assets.

Predictive Analytics Modeler prepares students to learn analytics models to collect and analyze data efficiently. Learners who complete each course earn a globally recognized IBM digital credential.

“Through IBM’s innovative skills training programs, we are delivering leading-edge curriculums to higher education Canadian institutions to better prepare students as they enter the workforce,” says Steven Astorino, Vice-President, Data & AI Development and IBM Canada Lab Director.

“This program provides a skills-building pathway to in-demand IT career openings such as security intelligence and predictive analytics. Additionally, we’re giving faculty members a window into industry-relevant tools and skillsets to provide greater learning value to students,”

“IBM Canada is a proud supporter of higher learning across the country, and we’re proud to support progressive Manitoba institutions such as Red River College.”

“Bite-sized, online courses and credentials that target specific skillsets are helping RRC better prepare students, including those already in the workforce, for the future of work,” adds Kathleen Kerr, Dean of RRC’s School of Continuing Education.

“Advances in technology are disrupting economies and labour markets at a pace that will only increase in the years ahead. The result is a skyrocketing demand for continuous learning, via up-skilling and re-skilling, from students and employers alike. These micro-credentials are another example of how Red River College is facing the future of work head-on.”