NETM FAQs

NETM micro-credentials are small-scale courses (of about 40 hours of learning) for learners to build knowledge, skills and experience in a particular discipline, applicable across multiple professions.

In the NETM, we work directly with industry partners to make sure education programs are designed for business, by business.

Since they are only about 40 hours long, NETM micro-credentials offer learners key skills that are in high demand. Completing a NETM micro-credential can be a great way to decide if you want to take additional micro-credentials or even go on to study a longer formal course (such as a certificate, diploma or degree). NETM micro-credentials may also complement the training you have already undertaken by adding specific skills to your resume that may not have been a part of your prior study.

The initial programme of the NETM will develop 100 micro-credentials between 2021-2025.

The initial NETM program is funded by the NSW Government. This means NETM micro-credentials are free of charge for learners and their employers in the early stages of the pilot program. Over the longer term, a sustainable funding model will be developed to ensure the NETM delivers micro-credentials in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.

NETM micro-credentials are delivered through a partnership model where vocational education, higher education and workplace learning come together to deliver training.

Our leading education and training providers manage the administration of each micro-credential and develop and deliver content with direct input from industry partners to ensure training will prepare learners for new jobs on the cutting edge of industry’s needs.

The initial programme of NETM micro-credentials is focussed on priority industries for the Western Parkland City, including advanced manufacturing, transport and logistics, aerospace and defence, and agribusiness. Please see our course catalogue for our current offerings.

If you are an employer who has recognised a skill gap in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, freight and logistics, pharmaceutical manufacturing aerospace and defence, or agribusiness, we want to hear from you.

The Western Parkland City Authority will work with you to scope a potential micro-credential that will meet your needs. You can also participate as an industry partner in the delivery of a micro-credential – and if you are interested in this level of participation, we will work with you to see if your existing training materials can be adapted or if we might need your input into a bigger piece of educational design in close partnership with one of our leading education partners.

While time frames for new micro-credentials will vary based on several factors, typically a period of 3-6 months will usually be long enough to get a new micro-credential up and running.

During the early stages of the NETM, the intention is to prioritise existing employees working in the Western Parkland City in a related field to each micro-credential – but over the course of the pilot these criteria will evolve as the number of micro-credentials we have on offer grows.

Unlike a formal qualification which is typically centred on a profession or trade (e.g. law or carpentry), NETM micro-credentials are focussed on skills that apply across multiple professions (e.g. robotics). The initial programme of NETM micro-credentials is focussed on skills in priority industries for the Western Parkland City, including advanced manufacturing, freight and logistics, defence and aerospace, pharmaceutical manufacturing and agribusiness. Details on current and upcoming NETM micro-credentials on offer are provided in the course catalogue.

NETM enrolments are managed by the education provider delivering the micro-credential. It is best to contact the education provider of the course you are interested in to make sure the micro-credential is suitable. Please see our course catalogue for our current offerings and contact details.

NETM micro-credentials are delivered by a variety of leading education and training providers that have selected to co-design and co-deliver a particular micro-credential.

Full details on current and upcoming NETM micro-credentials are provided in the course catalogue.

Learning modes and assessment types vary according to what learners need to be able to do at the end of a micro-credential. This means micro-credentials will often have different approaches to learning – so it is best to check these details for the specific micro-credentials you are interested in.

Full details on NETM micro-credentials on offer are provided in the course catalogue.