Sustainable Energy Microcredentials
Take flexible, online courses that focus on specific technologies to upskill or reskill in the renewable energy sector.
Lakeland College's sustainable energy microcredential options are for:
- Professionals in the traditional energy industry looking to transition by learning new skills. You can add skills quickly without leaving your current job.
- Engineers, architects, developers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, power engineers and instrumentation technicians looking to add to their skill set.
- Anyone looking for new opportunities in an emerging industry. You'll learn job-ready specific skills in a condensed time period.
Registration is on our continuing education platform that includes your registration payment.
Six microcredential streams are planned for 2025:
- solar PV (starts Jan 6, 2025 and fall 2025)
- geothermal (starts Jan 6, 2025 and fall 2025)
- biofuels (starts March 3, 2025 and Oct 2025)
- energy advisor (starts spring 2025)
- small business management (starts Oct 2025)
- climate change (starts March 3, 2025)
Each microcredential stream is taught online by an instructor, held asynchronously and can be completed in a few months.
Bioenergy & Biofuels microcredential |
This microcredential includes 4 online courses and a lab. Gain a solid understanding of biogas principles and production, including bio-mass, bio energy, bio heat, as well as emerging technologies in the field of biofuel and introductory knowledge about hydrogen energy technology. These courses are perfect for senior technicians and middle management in the oil & gas, forestry and waste management industries looking to expand their knowledge base and transition to the renewable energy sector. Courses:
You could transfer up to 12 credits to the Sustainable Energy Technology diploma. |
Climate Change microcredential |
Explore conventional and renewable energy systems, water conservation and management, carbon monitoring and management, and climate change on a global scale. Emphasizing critical thinking, these courses foster skills that will help you get considered for jobs in municipalities or government agencies that require skills and awareness of climate change and the net zero emissions movement. This microcredential includes 4 online courses:
Students can transfer up to 12 credits to the Sustainable Energy Technology diploma. Registration coming soon...please contact Kathleen Couturier if you are interested in this program |
Energy Advisor microcredential
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The energy advisor microcredential positions you for solid skills in residential energy assessments and provides you with the hands-on practice and experience you need during the on-site lab. Your courses will cover heating, ventilation, heat loss testing, air conditioning, energy modelling, integrated energy systems, and more. From these, you'll gain a clear understanding of energy audits in building and renovating. These skills are great additions for developers, construction workers, service organizations, consulting firms, carpenters, general contractors, architects and engineers. Lakeland's energy advisor microcredential also prepares you to the take the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Foundation and Energy Advisor exams. You'll take 3 courses:
Registration coming soon...please contact Kathleen Couturier if you are interested in this program |
Geothermal microcredential |
Learn about geo-exchange and geothermal, and the integration of various systems for maximum energy efficiency. Focusing on heat and energy recapturing, co-generation, and energy exchange systems integration, this microcredential is the perfect complement to mechanical engineers, civil and structural engineers, inspectors and technicians, developers, project managers, HVAC technicians and plumbers. This microcredential includes 4 online courses and one optional hands-on lab. You could transfer up to 12 credits (4 courses) to the Sustainable Energy Technology program. Courses:
If you are looking to challenge the Earth Loop Technician certification exam, you can take additional preparation courses:
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Small Business Management microcredential |
Integrate sustainable energy technology into your own business and learn the small business and project management skills you need to excel. These courses focus on developing your writing skills, critical thinking and introduce the techniques and software required to apply for design-related careers. This microcredential includes 4 online courses:
Registration coming soon...please contact Kathleen Couturier if you are interested in this program |
Solar PV microcredential |
Learn all you need to know about designing, installing and maintaining performant solar PV systems, and how to navigate the Canadian electrical code. Start your solar business or start working for a solar company; skilled solar installers and designers are in high demand in this booming industry! This microcredential includes 4 online courses and an on-site lab. Each course is the prerequisite for the next, so you'll need to take them in order.
Each online course is worth 3 credits. You could transfer up to 12 credits to the Sustainable Energy Technology diploma. Starting dates and details are on Lakeland's continuing education registration site. If you've taken RC 200, you may register in the next course RC 205.
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Course descriptions that start with RC can be found on the Sustainable Energy Technology course page. Other courses will be detailed on the registration platform.
Tuition
Tuition varies by microcredential stream program. Please refer to the registration site for exact cost. However, each course will cost approximately $759.
Further options
You may stack microcredentials. In other words, take all the microcredentials Lakeland offers.
Or, you may choose to go further and take Lakeland's Sustainable Energy Technology program. Each microcredential can transfer up to 12 credits towards a diploma.
As well, you can pursue other professional credentials through organizations we align with, such as NABCEP or LEED certifications.
Other Lakeland benefits
- Lakeland College has over a decade of experience offering renewable energy programs.
- Our courses are taught by acknowledged industry experts.
- We are a registered training provider for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Its solar installation professional program dates back to 2003.
Lakeland College’s sustainable energy microcredential courses are made possible through funding from the Government of Alberta.