Urban Forestry Micro-Credential Program
Launching in November 2022
Fleming College is offering FREE micro-credential courses in Urban Forestry starting in late November. These courses are open to anyone who would like to advance their skills in Urban Forestry as well as those who work in the industry and are currently underemployed or unemployed and looking to enhance their skills. A knowledge of the Urban Forestry sector is required to navigate these courses.
Micro-credentials are an accessible method for people working in industry to upgrade skills for a new position, grow through professional development, or simply participate in a refresher course. The format allows participants to upskill without taking a leave from career or family obligations to return to school.
Fleming’s Urban Forestry Micro-credential courses are part of a pilot program in partnership with City of Kawartha Lakes and Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Program Highlights
Micro-credentials are a series of short courses, that provide specialized training within specific areas of a profession. They take about 20 hours each to complete, and are grouped into four different streams of learning:
- Natural Environment
- Technology
- Communications
- Tree Care
Learners can register for a course and earn an individual micro-credential upon successful completion, or they can choose to complete all courses within a learning stream (e.g. Natural Environment) and obtain a Micro-Credential Certificate for that stream.
Micro Certificate 1: Natural Environment
- Urban Soils Assessment
- Wildlife Habitat Management
- Forest Ecology Introduction
- Stormwater Management
- Sustainable Urban Forests
Micro Certificate 2: Technology
- Intro to Arc GIS
- Intro Google Maps
- Applied Microsoft Excel Skills
- Intro to AutoCAD
- Digital data collection tools
Micro Certificate 3: Communications
- Arborist Report Writing
- Social Media as a Marketing Tool
- Basics of Web Design
- Legislation in Urban Forestry
- Indigenous Perspectives and Reconciliations
Micro Certificate 4: Tree Care
- Advanced Tree Pruning
- Tree Installation Techniques
- Tree Biology
- Decay Detection Tool
- Tree Mechanics
Program Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen
- Resident of Ontario
- Not currently enrolled in other education or training
Requirements For Online Courses
A modern computer with secure, high-speed internet access OR access to a computer lab.
Software Requirements
Most courses require Microsoft Word or equivalent software, and some courses and online platforms have additional technical and/or software requirements. The cost of your course does not include software, but some courses offer free or trail software. If you plan on completing an online course using your workplace computer, please notify your IT department as some companies have security blocks to prevent software installation by users.
Basic Computer Skills
You will be required to save files, attach files to emails, participate in online discussion groups and, depending on your course, install software, create spreadsheets, and use multi-media.
At least three to five hours per course per week
For reading and writing to complete exercises and assignments. Some courses may require more time.
*Students participating in Introduction to ArcGIS or AutoCAD courses must have access to a Windows PC with either Windows 10 or 11 installed. Apple products are not recommended. Chrome books do not work with AutoCAD or ArcGIS products. The recommended minimum internet connection settings are:
- Download: 10 mbps or greater
- Upload: 1 mbps or greater
- Ping: 40-50ms or less
How To Login To D2l
To access a course in D2L, you will need to login to the Student Portal. You will find MYCOURSES (D2L) in the left sidebar.
Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for a course to appear after you have registered. If your course does not appear in MYCOURSES (D2L) within that time, please contact Fleming College IT Support for assistance.
Tuition
Tuition for this pilot is free for qualified participants
Delivery
Delivery for this program is online asynchronous. This means the microcredential course will be fully online and offered with no specific class time. You will have the flexibility to login on your own time to complete the course requirements. There will be set due dates since there will be a course timeline, but you can work through the information and assignments on your own schedule during that period. Within the online asynchronous modules you will be required to participate in hands-on activities, labs, workshops within your home and surrounding environment.
Learners can register and complete an individual micro-credential and earn a Statement of Recognition Certificate or they can choose to complete all five courses within a learning stream (e.g. Natural Environment) and earn a Statement of Achievement Certificate.
Employers
Are you an employer looking to increase the skill level and qualification of your workforce? We can provide training for your employees.
This initiative provides industry with an opportunity to access free training for its existing workforce. Workers who are already employed within the Urban Forestry sector can upgrade their skills through Fleming College.
Fleming is continuing to work with employers to identify skills gaps so that we can collectively build a stronger workforce for the future.
If you are an employer and would like more information, please contact:
Erika Carter
Project Coordinator
erika.carter@flemingcollege.ca
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