A recent report by Engineers Australia described the country’s current engineering skills shortage as “perhaps its greatest-ever”. This month’s Jobs and Skills Summit doubled down on that message, plotting a course that emphasised a “better skilled, better trained workforce”. 

“Visibility of career pathways and awareness of career opportunities is an important driver of retention in the engineering workforce,” says the Engineers Australia report. “Learning and other opportunities can help to retain engineers in the workforce by opening up new opportunities.” 

As a result, Engineers Australia in partnership with Engineering Education Australia (EEA), it recently launched a new suite of skill and competency consolidation tools known as micro-credentials. 

“The micro-credentials will assist engineers to ensure their knowledge and skills remain relevant to a very dynamic industry,” says Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Jane MacMaster. 

But what exactly are micro-credentials, and how can they support engineers and the companies that employ them in building a skilled and agile engineering workforce? 

Boosting civil engineers 

In a nutshell, micro-credentials are a way for engineers to demonstrate and consolidate ultra-specific skillsets and competencies. The engineer comes away with a formal tick of approval to enhance both their CV and, if they desire, their path to Chartered status. 

“Engineers Australia micro-credentials are based on assessment of knowledge and experience to a level of acceptable industry practice,” says EEA General Manager Alexandra Sparvell.

The first batch of micro-credentials offered by EEA target civil engineers, particularly those involved with rail track works. The speciality areas recognised are: 

• Determine Rail Track Design Requirements 
• Develop Rail Track Alignment Design 
• Plan Rail Track Construction 
• Scope and Commission Rail Track Maintenance 

Participants are asked to demonstrate how they put the skill or competency into practice in their workplace. They provide real-world examples, evidence and written explanations that are assessed against specific criteria, as well as completing a video interview. 

“Technology, systems and ways of working are changing so fast, and industry is on the lookout for people who are up to date,” said MacMaster. “Micro-credentials offer a fast way to build or extend existing skills and knowledge in a way that is validated against recognised practice.” 

The EEA is inviting inquiries about its next stream of micro-credentials, which will focus on construction engineering. 

The professional skills “required of all engineers” 

In addition to its engineering specific offerings, the EEA provides micro-credentials for “in-demand, highly transferrable” professional skills including Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Management and Ethical Practice. 

It’s a holistic approach that recognises being an effective engineer is not just about what you can do, but how you go about doing it. 

“Engineering is a discipline that requires lifelong learning,” says Peter Briggs, Engineers Australia’s Advisor to the Chief Engineer. Engineers Australia see micro-credentials as the future of upskilling for engineers.