Micro-credentials
Creative and Innovative Thinkers
Embrace the rapid changes in today’s workforce and harness them to create your most powerful competitive edge.
Micro-credentials
Creative and Innovative Thinkers
Co-created by entrepreneurs, students and industry partners to address the need for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship now and in the future.
Unlocking creative and innovative skills is crucial for the success of individuals, the economy, and society.
These skills transcend various disciplines and industries, offering versatile approaches to problem-solving and productivity, making them indispensable in today’s workplace.
Moreover, these skills will distinguish us from intelligent machines and robots.
Who is this course for?
Creative thinking is a skill required in ALL professions.
Creative thinking is a skill that is required in all professions.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be born creative.
Anyone can learn how to be a creative thinker, whether you’re a nurse, engineer, teacher, designer, lawyer, or in any other profession.
We can all be creative in different ways. These micro-credentials are recommended for anyone who wants to establish a continuous learning experience and cultivate and apply a growth mindset to embrace challenges.
So, why should you enrol?
Unleash your creative potential for innovation through convenient, on-demand, and self-paced learning.
In a world increasingly shaped by AI and machines, the ability to brainstorm, refine, and break free from traditional boundaries becomes a powerful driver for advancement.
Being able to envision, empathise, and humanise technology will empower you to navigate the constantly evolving job market influenced by AI and machine progress.
The demand for creativity has never been higher, and this course instills a mindset of continuous learning and flexibility, setting you apart in the competitive workforce.
Quick facts check!
By 2025, it’s estimated that AI will replace 85 millions jobs. The world is changing faster than ever and today is already the slowest day of your future.
According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2023 report, between now and 2027, businesses predict that 44% of workers’ core skills will be disrupted because technology is moving faster than companies can design and scale up their training programs.
By 2027, creativity, analytical thinking, and proficiency in AI and big data will be the most sought-after skills.
Source: World Economic Forum
Course details
Entry Criteria: Open exclusively to Western Sydney University students. No prerequisites required.
Cost: Course fees waived for Western students.
Course structure
The Creative & Innovative Thinkers micro-credentials will consist of:
- Micro-credential 1: Creative Thinking to Develop Valuable Solutions
- Micro-credential 2: Methods in Real-world Innovation (coming soon)
- Micro-credential 3: Launch New Business Ventures (coming soon)
These courses provide learners with cutting-edge skills that are in high demand across industries, empowering them to make a substantial positive impact in any career they choose to pursue.
Outcomes
- Receive a digital certificate and badge upon completing each micro-credential.
- Showcase these credentials on your CV and professional online profiles to attract employers seeking individuals skilled in the future of work.
- Earn 10 credit points upon completing all three courses as a Western student.
Still unsure?
To support you in completing the course and addressing any questions you might have, we are excited to invite you to meet with our Entrepreneur in Residence AJ Kennedy and the support team for the Micro-credential. Below are some options:
15-min 1:1 session with AJ
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Micro-credential 1
Creative Thinking to Develop Valuable Solutions
Time commitment: 50 hours (20-25 hours for assessment)
Unlock your potential to solve real-world problems with innovative, valuable solutions. This course empowers you with critical skills, including:
- Growth Mindset: Cultivate a positive, resilient approach to challenges.
- Empathy: Understand and address the needs of others.
- Divergent & Convergent Thinking: Generate and refine creative ideas.
- Value Proposition: Craft compelling reasons for your solutions.
You’ll engage in practical exercises and a quiz to test your knowledge. To demonstrate your mastery, you’ll develop a comprehensive solution to a real-world problem, showcasing your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
ENROL NOW to start your journey towards becoming a creative problem-solver.
Micro-credential 2 (Coming soon)
Methods in Real-world Innovation
Time commitment: 50 hours (20-25 hours for assessment)
Transform your ideas into actionable business models with this dynamic course. You’ll learn to:
- Generate Value: Create a structured plan for business success.
- Market Research: Test assumptions through thorough research.
- Prototype & Refine: Develop and improve your model based on feedback.
A quiz will assess your knowledge, and you’ll complete an assessment to validate your understanding by creating a business model that meets market needs and minimises risks.
EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST to stay informed about this upcoming opportunity to master real-world innovation methods.
Micro-credential 3 (Coming soon)
Launch New Business Ventures
Time commitment: 50 hours (20-25 hours for assessment)
Gain the expertise to launch a successful new business. This course covers:
- Business Model Development: Outline financials, legal requirements, and marketing efforts.
- Networking: Build essential connections for your venture.
- Value Proposition & Communication: Develop clear and compelling plans.
You’ll complete a quiz to test your knowledge and an assessment to demonstrate your ability to create a validated business model, ready for market success.
EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST to be the first to know when this course becomes available.
The Benefits
Skills learnt through the micro-credentials
Learners will develop core entrepreneurial skills and enhance their creative mindset by creating and designing solutions to solve complex, real-world challenges such as:
Meet the coordinators
Carla Duarte de Jesus Dias Wadewitz
Senior Manager, Innovation Strategy & Services
Carla has spent the last 20 years working with companies and start-ups across Europe, Australia, US and Asia, supporting their development in diverse areas such as health/nanotech, advanced manufacturing & industry 4.0, Fintech, Agtech, energy, retail and tourism.
AJ Kennedy
Entrepreneur in Residence
AJ is an innovation management professional with over 15 years of experience in facilitation, team leadership, strategy and innovation management knowledge.
Samanda Tharaki Mularachchi
Curriculum Support Assistant
A Western student, studying a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program, passionate about contributing positively to communities who are affected by disability and/or injustice within their environment, both professionally and personally.