“In the current skills crisis, we need more skilled workers in our economy to boost productivity and drive economic growth,” Universities Australia Acting Chief Executive Peter Chesworth said.

 “Microcredentials can help with that, and quickly. These short courses enable people to upskill or retrain in a short period of time, getting them into the workforce faster.

 “The government’s pilot program will support universities to work with industry in developing microcredentials in areas of skill needs, while also extending FEE-HELP to selected courses.

 “In the lead up to the Jobs and Skills Summit Universities Australia called for income-contingent loans to cover microcredentials.

 “We welcome the government’s support for universities and the important role they play in producing the skilled graduates our economy can’t function without.”