The 'MicroX' Short University Programs Initiative

The "MicroX" Short University Programs Initiative is one of the initiatives under the Human Capability Development Program, part of the programs of the Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to equip individuals with skills aligned with the rapid changes in the job market, develop national competencies, and enhance their human capabilities, thereby contributing to the global competitiveness of Saudi citizens.

The National eLearning Center launched the "MicroX" Short University Programs Initiative on September 28, 2024. The initiative aims to offer 350 short university programs in digital format through the FutureX digital education and training platform. These programs are provided by twenty Saudi universities, aligning with the needs and demands of the Saudi job market to ensure they keep pace with rapid changes.

The Short University Programs Initiative aims to achieve several objectives, including developing citizens' human capabilities and equipping them with skills aligned with the rapid changes in job market sectors. It also seeks to support specialized and vital sectors that contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and supply the job market with emerging skills driven by changes across various sectors. The initiative makes education more accessible to a wider audience by offering it digitally and flexibly, allowing everyone to learn and choose an educational path that suits their professional needs. Additionally, it empowers young Saudis by providing them with learning opportunities, supports educational outcomes that prepare individuals for the job market, and enhances these outcomes with essential skills and abilities. Finally, it aims to strengthen career paths for those currently in the workforce.

The Short University Programs Initiative targets university students, job seekers, and current employees, providing them with essential skills and expertise. It was developed in coordination with various sectors and entities and tailored to meet their specific needs, promoting integration and a shared economy. The initiative includes partnerships with over two hundred strategic partners, including local and international universities, academic institutions, and employers, to offer diverse learning opportunities that align with future requirements across fields such as entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital health, logistics, transportation, culture, manufacturing, and entertainment.

The programs within the "MicroX" Short University Programs Initiative offer several advantages, including being short and closely aligned with job market demands. They are also flexible, with each program being customizable, allowing learners to choose an educational path that suits their professional requirements. They also align with sector-specific changes and are offered digitally to ensure accessibility and support seamless, flexible learning experiences. The initiative also stands out for its focus on vital and specialized sectors that contribute to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including sectors such as health, information technology, energy, culture and entertainment, tourism and hospitality, construction, and real estate, industry and mineral resources, among others. These programs are also recognized by several institutions.