Many adult learners are ready to work but lack the formal credentials or specific skills that today’s employers expect. To address this gap, WGU Academy — partnering with WGU Labs — developed a microcredential program designed specifically for frontline managers in industries like retail, hospitality, and food service.

Understanding the time constraints of working adults, the program features a flexible, learner-centered design: short, modular lessons; mobile-friendly formats; and content delivered through engaging video and data visualizations. The result is a training experience that aligns with both real-world workforce demands and the realities of adult learners’ lives.

In episode five of the Inside the Learning Experience podcast, Dr. Lita Hooper-Simanga shares how she’s leveraging AI to inform the design and delivery of innovative programs like this one. Listen in to hear how we are approaching thoughtful integration of AI into workforce education.