How Non-Credit Programs Can Reach Today’s Working Professionals
For working professionals who want to level up—either within their industry or outside of it—non-credit programs are a great way to add new credentials and experience to their resumes. Programs that offer courses online can give learners the skills to advance their careers while also providing the flexibility needed to fit these courses around what is likely an already very busy schedule.
So how do organizations that offer non-credit or certificate programs cut through the noise and hectic nature of daily life to reach today’s working professionals? The key is to make sure the courses you offer are an enticing way to advance a career and available to learners when and where they want.
Flexible Scheduling and Asynchronous Learning 
Unlike traditional schooling, which typically follows a strict academic calendar, the main appeal of noncredit and continuing education programs is the flexibility in scheduling. Many programs offer evening classes—both in person and online—but the best option for working professionals is to offer asynchronous learning. Allowing learners to sign on, watch or listen to lectures, and complete coursework on their own time is sometimes the only way to interest them in your program.
Scheduling and registration software like Learning Stream can help facilitate this by allowing participants to sign up for courses at their convenience. Once participants are scheduled for a course or program, Learning Stream can then be configured to send out automated reminders—even over text message for added convenience—to help them stay on track with their course commitments.
Targeted Skill Development and Networking Opportunities
For professionals interested in upskilling within their current industry or looking to add new skills and make relationships in another industry, noncredit programs are a great option. What they’re looking for is skill development that is narrowly targeted in a specific area. For example, they may want to improve their project management expertise, enhance digital marketing prowess, or learn a new coding language.
For those looking to switch careers, connections to industry professionals are a key decision-maker when choosing a program. To make your program more enticing, include detailed course descriptions and identify industry experts who will be teaching each course. Let potential learners know the tangible skills they will leave the course with as well as the networking opportunities your program provides.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum and Continuous Improvement
Because learners seeking non-credit and certificate programs are looking to learn or improve skills in a particular industry, it’s important to ensure your curriculum is industry-relevant and taught by industry experts. This is information to promote in your marketing content and sales material. It’s also important to continuously improve and update your course curriculum. Many industries are constantly evolving, and you’ll want to ensure you’re offering the most up-to-date curriculum as possible to remain relevant and valuable to participants.
You can use the data and analytics available in platforms like Learning Stream to continuously evaluate what you may need to change. Participants who have completed your program can easily give feedback that can help you determine the value learners are getting from each course and adjust as needed.
Interested in seeing how Learning Stream can add value, automation, and efficiency to your non-credit or certificate program? Contact us to get started with Learning Stream today.
