Interest in non-degree programming is growing among both professionals and institutions. With the world of continuing education evolving rapidly, universities have a unique opportunity to bridge education with industry needs.
As workforce demands shift, higher education institutions must ensure professionals can upskill efficiently, meeting local labor market needs while driving economic mobility.
Having worked in professional development for 25 years, I have seen firsthand how continuing education divisions have evolved from enrichment-based learning to becoming critical engines of workforce development. Today, our division is instrumental in equipping professionals with industry-aligned skills that support career advancement and local economic growth.
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For continuing education decision-makers looking to expand workforce-aligned offerings, here are key strategies to consider:
1. Build capacity through strategic partnerships and workforce-aligned education
In today’s economy, digital skills are essential across industries. Universities must build the capacity to deploy high-quality programs that empower professionals at all levels. Keeping pace with these demands requires innovative approaches, including strategic partnerships with third-party providers specializing in workforce-aligned programs.
These partnerships help universities scale their offerings, increase enrollment, boost workforce participation and drive regional economic growth.
For example, LSU Online & Continuing Education has launched a portfolio of industry-recognized certificate programs, offered in partnership with Ziplines Education, that are designed for today’s digital workforce and provide learners with immediately applicable skills. The short, intensive programs—ranging from five to 10 weeks—are offered in high-demand areas such as AI prompting, business analytics, digital marketing and Salesforce administration.
2. Develop a market-responsive course portfolio
To meet the needs of diverse lifelong learners, continuing education divisions must ensure that course offerings stay relevant to the workforce. To create a dynamic course portfolio that reflects current labor market demands, universities can partner with industry leaders to develop faculty-approved curricula to quickly and effectively launch courses that meet workforce needs and support relevant, in-demand skills.
Institutions should conduct regular labor market analyses to identify high-growth career areas and offer short courses that provide adult learners with immediate skills necessary for on-the-job and career mobility opportunities. This allows instutitions to rapidly deploy programs in emerging fields including AI Prompting to address the skill gaps in the local or regional workforce while giving professionals a competitive advantage in their careers.
3. Offer flexible, career-focused learning pathways
Due to time and financial constraints, many working professionals looking to upskill cannot commit to traditional degree programs. To meet this need, universities can provide flexible learning options, such as:
- Online and hybrid courses for greater accessibility.
- Non-degree programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications.
- Competency-based learning models that recognize prior experience.
These programs can also ensure that learners receive career coaching and mentorship, helping them navigate their career journeys with confidence. Our alumni praise our program’s practicality, networking opportunitie, and career-ready outcomes.
A recent alumni survey found that 92% of adult learners feel more confident and prepared for their current positions, while 80% are actively applying their new skills to advance their careers.
Future of workforce-aligned higher education
The demand for upskilling is only growing. According to the Salesforce Global Digital Skills Index, 95% of U.S. companies rely on digital tools, yet 76% of global workers feel unprepared to use them effectively. This skills gap presents a tremendous opportunity for universities to lead workforce transformation.
Institutions that embrace high-impact, industry-relevant training will not only enhance economic mobility for working adults but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work.
By aligning education with industry needs, universities can create a win-win scenario: increasing institutional revenue while providing professionals with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy. For institutions looking to lead in workforce-aligned education, the time to act is now.
