Saint Paul College’s Credentials Boost Workforce Readiness
An interview with Deidra Peaslee, President at Saint Paul College
Q: In the evolving landscape of educational credentials, how are alternative credentials changing the way we think about education and workforce training?
Historically, colleges have been viewed as providing only traditional educational paths, such as two-year and four-year degrees, but increasingly we are providing alternative credentials to directly target specific skills and competencies needed in the workplace.
These highly relevant credentials allow employees to make an immediate contribution.
Credentials—broadly defined to include certificates, stackable courses, and training—are bridging the gap between employers and educators in new and sustainable ways that serve students and our workforce partners.
Additionally, there is an equity piece to these offerings. Credentials may provide opportunities to be immediately employable while also offering a pathway into post-secondary education for people who have been historically marginalized.
Q: What are the benefits and drawbacks of different credential types?
It's important to note that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for post-secondary education. Credentials are a great option for some students and have the potential to quickly qualify them for high-wage, high-demand jobs.
However, the abundance of options can be overwhelming. As educators and administrators, it is our responsibility to make it as easy as possible for people to understand our offerings and the outcomes they can expect from our courses.
Q: How can students choose the right credentials based on their career aspirations and learning styles?
If a student has already picked a career – or has a field they are interested in, that’s a great first step. From there, students can consider the practicalities of different credentials. This includes factors like cost, time commitment, and format (online, in-person, or hybrid).
It's also essential to research the reputation and recognition of the credential provider, as well as the potential job outcomes and career advancement opportunities associated with the credential – for example, is this credential stackable or connected to other degree programs (i.e., can you take part 1 and then take part 2 and advance your employment).
For students who are unsure of their career path, exploring introductory credentials can be a valuable first step. These "sampler" programs give a taste of different industries without requiring a significant time or financial commitment. For example, at Saint Paul College we offer a Business Certificate that can provide a strong foundation in core business principles in as little time as one semester.
Open-access community colleges, like Saint Paul College, offer a unique advantage for students exploring potential career paths. They allow the flexibility to sample different fields without committing to a full program.
At Saint Paul College, students can pay and register for individual classes, letting them dip their toes into a subject area before investing time and resources. For example, a student interested in renewable energy could take Introduction to Renewable Energy to gain a foundational understanding of the field and explore potential career options.
It's also never too soon to start thinking about career exploration. For high school students, another excellent option is a summer camp with a career focus. Saint Paul College offers a diverse range of summer camps that provide hands-on experience and insights into various industries. Last summer alone, our camps attracted over 170 students who explored their career interests:
- Scrubs Healthcare Exploration Camp: Over 80 attendees discovered the exciting world of healthcare.
- Video Game Design Camp: Over 30 campers delved into the creative process of video game development.
- Cosmetology & Esthetics: Over 20 campers learned about the art of beauty and personal care.
- Culinary Camp: Over 20 campers explored the culinary arts and developed their cooking skills.
- Imagine It! Design It! Make It! Manufacturing Camp: Nearly 40 campers, spread across two weeks, immersed themselves in the world of manufacturing.
This summer for the first time we are offering a camp focused on the semiconductor industry which is a rapidly growing segment of the manufacturing industry.
Q: How are alternative credentials addressing the skills gap and providing employers with a more qualified and adaptable workforce?
It’s a just-in-time approach to education and allows employees more input into education than ever before. This approach also embraces the idea that learning is learning so whether a student completes a credit-based course or a non-credit credential, we appreciate the skills gained and can help students leverage that knowledge.
Q: How is Saint Paul College creating innovative education and training programs to prepare learners for success in the 21st-century economy?
A cornerstone of this approach is our robust customized training program and strong partnerships with local employers. By actively listening to the needs of both employers and students, we tailor our offerings to address specific skill gaps and workforce demands.
One of our key initiatives is a series of "learn and earn" partnerships. These innovative programs provide students with paid work experience while they are still in school, accelerating their skill development and easing their financial burden.
This approach not only enhances student engagement but also produces graduates who are job-ready and immediately valuable to employers. An example of this is the program offered with Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association, Goodwill Easter Seals MPMA, and Ramsey County, which provides two semesters of machine tool training combined with on-the-job training at participating manufacturers.
Students completing the non-credit program can be hired immediately by manufacturers or they can continue in an associate degree program to become a CNC machinist.
In partnership with the national organization Education Design Lab, Saint Paul College is also developing innovative micro-pathway programs. Micro-pathways are co-designed with learners and employers. They are defined as two or more stackable credentials, including a durable skill micro-credential, that are flexibly delivered to be achieved within less than a year.
These programs result in a job at or above the local median wage and can serve as a starting point for learners pursuing an associate degree.
