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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Boot camps, nano-degrees: Why fast, flexible learning is replacing traditional college education
The digital transformation has reshaped nearly every industry, and education is no exception. Much like how music, television, and communication have moved to on-demand formats, education is undergoing its own decentralization. What was once viewed as the definitive route to career success, traditional degrees are now being re-evaluated for their time, cost, and long-term value. Today, learners are rethinking these conventional paths and increasingly turning to boot camps and nano-degrees—pragmatic, faster, and highly targeted alternatives built for the demands of a dynamic job market. This shift is not just a passing trend. It has rather evolved as a fundamental change in how knowledge is acquired, validated, and applied. It has made education the one that aligns more closely with the needs of modern industries and the evolving aspirations of a new generation of learners who prioritize speed and flexibility. Rise of boot camps and nano degrees Traditional degree programs often follow a fixed, multi-year structure. They cover broad academic ground, but not always in ways that reflect current job demands. In contrast, boot camps and nano degrees offer shorter, modular programs designed around practical outcomes. Learners can now choose exactly what, when, and how they want to study. These programs cover a wide range of high-demand skills in emerging fields like data science, web development, or blockchain. Many of these are offered by digital learning platforms and often in collaboration with major industry players. These bite-sized learning options allow students to build customized portfolios of credentials that are faster to earn, lighter on the wallet, and aligned with current hiring trends. What's driving the shift The motivations behind this shift are clear. Boot camps and nano-degrees typically last a few months and cost a fraction of a conventional degree. Moreover, they equip learners with job-ready skills that are immediately applicable. On the other hand, four-year degree programs often take longer to adapt to changing industry needs. Much of their coursework remains static or includes subjects not directly relevant to the job market. According to a report by Maximize Market Research, the global certificate market is anticipated to reach USD 7.59 billion by 2029. This growth reflects a broader demand for short-term, skill-centric learning that helps learners pivot quickly into new roles. Tech companies are also no longer just consumers of talent—they're becoming credentialing bodies themselves. For instance, some of the leading firms like Google, IBM, and Meta have launched their own certification and nano-degree programs. These credentials are gaining recognition and sometimes even outweigh traditional degrees in certain roles. A comparative perspective While both boot camps and traditional degrees aim to prepare learners for the workforce, they differ in delivery and design. Nano-degrees and boot camps are intensive, focused, and are usually completed within a three to six-month timeframe. They are particularly well-suited for emerging disciplines such as web development, data analytics, or digital marketing. These programs are often designed with industry alignment in mind. Entry requirements are minimal, and the flexibility of online or hybrid delivery models makes them accessible to a broad range of learners. This includes working professionals and learners from non-traditional backgrounds. On the contrary, a four-year degree, such as a BTech in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering from a reputed institution, offers broader academic exposure. They build foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for roles in research, academia, or regulated professions. These programs still hold strong value for students pursuing advanced roles in engineering, management, or public service. Both pathways serve different learner needs, and increasingly, they are being viewed as complementary rather than competitive. A graduate might turn to a boot camp for upskilling, while someone who started with a nano degree might pursue a full-time degree later for deeper specialization. Employer's perspective A critical factor driving the popularity of alternative credentials is employer demand. There is an increasing disconnect between academic curricula and workplace expectations. Many employers now recognize that these alternative credentials often offer more relevant, up-to-date training. In order to bridge this skills gap, employers are launching their own programs or endorsing third-party credentials. Some even allow professionals to showcase verified skills on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, where practical competence can now stand on equal footing with academic qualifications. In high-growth sectors like IT, data science, cybersecurity, etc., many hiring managers now value demonstrable skills over a conventional degree, especially when backed by hands-on project experience. Looking ahead: Building a hybrid model Today, boot camps and nano-degrees represent more than a shortcut to employment; they symbolize a fundamental shift in how learners value, acquire, and apply knowledge. That being said, traditional degrees aren't going away. They will remain vital for careers requiring deep theoretical grounding or licensure. But the idea that one must invest four years and several lakhs to be 'employable' is being challenged. Educational institutions now have an opportunity as well as a responsibility to adapt. The future will likely belong to hybrid models: traditional degrees combined with industry-recognized micro-credentials, delivered in a bite-sized format. The question today's students ask isn't 'Which college should I go to?' but 'Which skills will get me hired faster and how quickly can I learn them?' That's the shift, and it's here to stay. (The author is founder and CEO of UniAthena)
The Market Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
A tungsten stock underpricing near-term production
Among critical metals, tungsten is one of the most crucial to national security, given its diverse applications as the hardest, heaviest, densest and most elastic metal on the planet. These include: Military use-cases in shells, bullets, missiles and tank armor, the latter more easily marketable than standard depleted uranium-based products. Semiconductors, specifically the tungsten hexafluoride gas required for production, granting tungsten exposure to AI's high-growth over US$240 billion global market. production, granting tungsten exposure to AI's high-growth over US$240 billion global market. The manufacturing of cutting tools for drilling, milling and sawing, as well as robotic arms. In electric vehicles, boosting battery longevity, stability and energy density thanks to its high heat resistance. The average EV uses about 2 kg of tungsten, with that figure increasing by 1-2.5 kg with the use of tungsten-niobium batteries. With expected long-term tailwinds from each of these industries at its back, tungsten commands a US$5 billion global market expected to almost double to US$9.51 billion by 2030, according to Maximize Market Research, with prices stabilizing at higher levels over the past few years as the critical metal emerged as one of the most at risk of running out of conflict-free supply. The Western shift away from Chinese tungsten dominance Currently 48 per cent of tungsten reserves and 84 per cent of production stem from China, according to the International Tungsten Industry Association, granting the country outsized control, which it has exercised to the detriment of the global market. The communist nation announced export controls in November 2024 following proposed US tariffs and sanctions, officially implementing the restrictions in February 2025, which are pushing tungsten prices higher as the supply chain continues to tighten. China could also potentially lift a long-standing ban on tungsten scrap imports to further fortify its dominant share of the global market. In response to these authoritarian tactics, the United States and Europe have been actively shifting supply away from China: In the case of the US, the Trump administration issued an executive order to bolster domestic critical mineral production and supply chains in March 2025, and the 2022 Reeshore Act will prohibit the use of Chinese tungsten in military equipment beginning in 2027. It's worth noting that, although tungsten remains exempt under Trump's tariff regime, North America has no domestic tungsten production. The European Union, for its part, renewed anti-dumping duties on tungsten carbide imported from China for another five years to encourage scrap recovery in member countries. This dynamic is causing a mass pivot towards long-life tungsten resources in conflict-free countries, backed by leadership teams well-versed in creating shareholder value, making companies that stand up to due diligence key considerations for your next investment. A tungsten producer for the Western world A stock ideally positioned to capitalize on growing tungsten demand is Allied Critical Metals (CSE:ACM), market capitalization C$24.72 million, a newly-listed company exploring and developing a portfolio of tungsten projects in mining-friendly Portugal, including a flagship resource valued at more than US$600 million in the ground according to prices on May 12, 2025. On track for near-term, low-cost production, supported by excellent infrastructure and strong exploration upside, Allied is positioned to become a leading provider of conflict-free tungsten to Western markets. That said, the tungsten stock, holding strong between C$0.20 and C$0.25 since beginning trading in April 2025, has yet to reflect this monumental potential, making it a perfect time to delineate the strong reasons for conviction behind the company's three major assets. The Borralha tungsten project Allied Critical's 3.8-square-kilometre Borralha project – located only 80 km from Porto, like the rest of its portfolio – was once the largest tungsten mine in Portugal and features a 2024 resource estimate that only scratches the surface of its potential. The estimate breaks down as follows: 4.98 million tonnes averaging 0.22 per cent (2,200 grams per tonne (g/t)) tungsten trioxide, 97 g/t tin, 762 g/t copper and 4.8 g/t silver indicated. 7.01 million tonnes averaging 0.20 per cent tungsten trioxide, 83 g/t tin, 642 g/t copper and 4.4 g/t silver inferred. In terms of contained metal, these resources combine for 24,721 tonnes of high-grade tungsten (Wolframite), 1,063 tonnes of tin, 8,300 tonnes of copper and 55 tonnes of silver, representing approximately US$600 million in the ground. Borralha's robust deposit is substantiated by historical and Allied Critical drilling (slide 8), as well as historical production of 10,280 tons of wolframite concentrate – a high-grade tungsten ore – from 1904-1985 at an economical grade of 66 per cent. Additionally, the project's demonstrated high grades, low-cost drilling at US$236 per metre all-in and high metallurgical recovery rates of up to 95 per cent set it up to be a low-cost producer. Satellite image of the Borralha mine area. (Source: Allied Critical Metals) Management intends to double the resource and further a pre-feasibility study with a 5,000 m drilling program set to kick off this week at a cost of about C$2 million, with only about half of the property's Santa Helena Breccia, representing about 70 per cent of known mineralization, having been drilled to date. The Vila Verde tungsten-tin project The tungsten stock complements its flagship Borralha with the Vila Verde project, a tungsten and tin asset 45 km to the southeast, housing a preliminary historic inferred resource split into 4 million tonnes grading 1,347 g/t tungsten trioxide in the Cumieira zone and 3.3 million tonnes grading 961 g/t Wolframite tungsten (W3) in the Porqueira zone. These tonnes are bolstered by impressive exploration upside, given that Vila Verde's land packaged is three times larger than Borralha's and boasts plenty of supporting historical work, including: 17 drillholes spanning 2,103 metres, unveiling a 2.1 km x 1 km tungsten-tin mineralized system in the Cumieira zone and a 1 km x 500 metre system in the Porqueira zone. Numerous old mine workings, such as the Valedas Gatas mine, once the third-largest tungsten mine in Portugal until its closure in 1986. Borralha and Vila Verde jointly hold a mining license to process up to 150,000 tonnes per year, which would double to 300,000 tonnes upon completion of a feasibility study, granting the tungsten stock a clear runway to initial revenue of ~C$5 million. Vila Verde project. (Source: Allied Critical Metals) With strong support from local municipalities, management is focused on trenching, sampling and 5,000 m of drilling to usher Vila Verde towards a maiden resource estimate in 2025 – at a cost of about C$2.5 million – with eyes on unlocking value above and beyond Borralha and setting the company up for globally attractive production from a pilot plant expected to come online in Q4 2025. The Vila Verde tungsten concentrate pilot plant Allied Critical differentiates itself from other junior critical metals stocks by way of near-term production through its Vila Verde pilot plant, which is on track to yield initial tungsten concentrate by the end of 2025, uniting upstream supply with mid-stream manufacturers and helping the company self-fund its growth initiatives. The company intends to fund plant construction through non-dilutive sources, with numerous discussions with interest parties underway and a Q1 2025 letter of intent towards its first offtake agreement with Global Tungsten & Powders, a Pennsylvania-based refiner, likely to help to convert a robust global sales pipeline, including governments and other refiners, into tangible deals. The letter of intent sets a framework for Global Tungsten to purchase at least 12,000 metric ton units (MTUs) of W3 per year – contained in 65 per cent concentrate – priced according to European APT (ammonium paratungstate) quotes provided by Fastmarkets. The preliminary deal, which Chief Executive Officer Roy Bonnell expects to become more robust over the next three months, is expandable to 15,000 MTUs per year prior to signing a definitive agreement, de-risking Allied Critical as a reliable tungsten provider aligned with U.S. interests. Management will focus on equipment, fabrication and securing further offtake agreements in phase-I pilot plant development (US$5 million), followed by hiring and strategic capacity increases in phase II (additional US$2 million), at estimated total costs of nearly US$7 million. Long-term plans include scaling the plant to a capacity of 1 million tonnes per year. 'There's no real magic to the construction of this pilot plant. There are no technical hurdles,' Bonnell stated in an interview with Stockhouse. 'We've been working with a company specialized in pilot plants just on the other side of the border in Spain and the equipment is off the shelf. It's a very quick road to revenue.' Having recently closed a C$4.6 million funding round, as partnership talks continue to progress, Allied Critical is shifting into high gear towards more drilling, pilot plant construction and eventual production as a reliable contributor to the global tungsten supply chain. Leadership well-versed in exploration success The tungsten stock's high-potential trajectory, yet to be recognized in the share price, is significantly de-risked by a leadership team with 15 per cent insider ownership and well-rounded mining experience, including successful track records in global exploration, discovery, early-stage development, executive leadership, legal and capital markets. Let's meet them now: Roy Bonnell, Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), brings 30 years of leadership across capital markets, natural resources and venture capital. He previously served as Chairman of Thesis Gold (TSXV:TAU), whose flagship project houses resources of 4 million ounces of gold equivalent measured and indicated and 727,000 ounces of gold equivalent inferred, and Director of Founders Metals (TSXV:FDR), a gold explorer in Suriname with a multi-year track record of converting exploration upside into shareholder value, generating an 8.6x return since 2021. João Barros, Director and President, has amassed over 20 years in the mining industry specializing in exploration, environmental impact studies and feasibility assessments for Portuguese mining operations. He currently serves as President of Redcorp–Empreendimentos Mineiros and Ascendant Resources (TSX:ASND), a gold mining company with established resources in Portugal. Andrew Lee, Director and Corporate Secretary, is a 15-year veteran in public mineral exploration, including gold development in Ecuador and phosphate in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Lee is currently Managing Director at York Harbour Metals (CSE:YORK), a junior miner with a highly-prospective past-producing copper, zinc and silver project in Newfoundland. Sean O'Neill, Director and Non-Executive Chairman, is Head of Securities at Boughton Law, where he has put in over 20 years advising global mining companies about corporate and securities law. Colin Padget, Director, has been involved in mineral exploration for over a decade, most recently as the Director, President and CEO of Founders Metals. Michael Galego, Director, is a co-founder and director of numerous businesses, including CSE and TSXV-listed companies, with over 10 years in corporate finance and M&A. He is Chief Legal Officer, Director and Co-Founder of LNG Energy Group (TSXV:LNGE) and CEO of Apolo Capital Advisory, and previously served as CEO of Stronach Group, Agricultural Division, as well as Director at Woulfe Mining, playing an instrumental role in its sale – including its Sangdong tungsten mine in South Korea – to Almonty Industries (TSX:AII). Under the guidance of mining experts in the field, as well as the C-Suite, Allied Critical's high-quality, early-stage assets are in the right hands to pursue a leadership position in tungsten production outside of China. The company's latest push in this direction, according to Bonnell, involves ongoing discussions with the Portuguese government to designate its projects as national priorities, which would expedite funding and permitting. Despite the tungsten stock's high-conviction value proposition, the market has yet to take notice because of the presently risk-averse investment climate, clearing the way for an undervalued allocation with a near-term production catalyst. A high-potential tungsten play hiding in plain sight Broadly speaking, investors are currently trepidatious about the future, influenced by persistent consumer inflation, uncertainty about the effects of Trump's tariff regime on the global economy, widespread deglobalization, as well as numerous conflicts around the world disrupting millions of lives and the supply chains they keep in business. This high level of investor fear, as has been the case across market history, often leads to imbalances in the market's ability to discern value, pricing quality assets well below their potential and creating a margin of safety for active investors to capitalize on. Allied Critical Metals fits comfortably in this framework, as it offers exposure to all the green flags for a significant, high-probability outcome, including an in-demand commodity, robust assets, a strategic jurisdiction, tailor-made management, near-term production and a favorable macroeconomic environment incentivizing the strengthening of domestic tungsten supply chains. 'We think Allied's value proposition is differentiated because we have significantly mitigated the risks commonly associated with early-stage miners,' Bonnell concluded. 'We're developing pre-existing mining operations. We deal in a commodity that's easily processed in a respected jurisdiction. We've also spent about 4 million dollars in drilling as a private company to validate mineralization, which historically produced 66 per cent concentrate with equipment less technically sophisticated than what we have today. With none of these risk-mitigating factors reflected in our valuation, we think we represent an attractive opportunity for investors.' Without even the hint of a stock price re-rating as of May 20, investors can still get in before broader market recognition – joining Allied Critical's sizeable 25 per cent institutional ownership – and potentially benefit should pilot plant cash flow and continued tungsten price strength tip the market off about the company's outsized upside. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this tungsten stock on the Allied Critical Metals Inc. Bullboard and check out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. This is sponsored content issued on behalf of Allied Critical Metals Inc., please see full disclaimer here.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Scoop
5 Reasons Why Buying A Rugged Dockable Case Is A Great Investment For Your Gaming Console
Article – Hugh Grant If engaged in an exhilaratingly intense gaming session that subjects your handheld gaming console to a few bumps here and there, youll be glad if it's in a rugged protective case. You'll see it's money well spent. Gaming has become our everything—at least for some people. While some dabble in the hobby, others eat, breathe, and sleep their favorite gaming titles. And it's now easier than ever to do just that given that people can play on their phones or use handheld consoles. Maximize Market Research says the portable gaming market was worth $17.87 billion in 2023 and is on pace to reach $27.24 billion by 2030. Considering that a good unit can set you back several hundred dollars, you'll want to protect it. You can do so with a gaming console case. If engaged in an exhilaratingly intense gaming session that subjects your handheld gaming console to a few bumps here and there, you'll be glad if it's in a rugged protective case. You'll see it's money well spent. Here are five reasons to buy a rugged dockable case to protect your gaming investment. The bonus is you can charge it without having to remove the case. 1. Protection from Impact Damage and Drops One obvious advantage you'll get with a case for your handheld gaming console is protection from drops and impact damage. Whether you get carried away while enjoying a gaming session or accidentally drop the gaming console, a protective case can be a godsend. If you get a high-quality case, it'll offer the advantage of shock-absorbing materials or reinforced shells that help to keep your handheld gaming console safe. You'll want to avoid cracked screens, joystick damage, and other problems, and the right rugged dockable case will help. For the best protection, get the right case for your gaming console. For instance, if you have a Switch 2 from Nintendo, find a Switch 2 case to protect your handheld gaming console. A generic cover will offer underwhelming protection and a clunky and bulky look and feel. 2. Scratch Prevention While a scratch here or there might not impact gameplay enjoyability — unless it's prominently etched on the screen — you'll want to avoid them. Many handheld gaming consoles are small enough to fit in a coat or pants pocket — where they could come into contact with keys, pens, coins, and other sharp objects. If your gaming console is a keeper and you'd like to hang onto it for a while, you might as well invest in a rugged dockable case. It'll keep your investment protected and in good working order. 3. Organised Storage for Accessories A rugged dockable case won't just keep your handheld gaming device safe and secure. It'll also provide storage space to keep your accessories organized and within easy reach when you need them. You'll want compartments for game cartridges, earphones, charging cables, and more, and the right case for your device will offer space for must-have accessories. Whether you're at home chilling out in the living room, commuting to work on the bus, or traveling someplace, you'll have what you need when the urge comes to enjoy your favorite gaming titles. 4. Better Ergonomics and Grip Another benefit of buying a case for your handheld gaming console is that it can enhance ergonomics and grip — which can translate into a more enjoyable gaming experience. Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomic comfort when spending perhaps hours at a time playing games. Depending on the protective case you buy, you can also get textured finishes that improve the feel of the console and make it easier to play over longer stretches. 5. Style and Personalisation Aesthetics aren't everything, but they're nonetheless important. You can get a case for your portable gaming console that showcases your sense of style and personality. You can get something rugged, something sleek, or something combining both. These are some reasons to consider getting a case for your console. The right one can be a game-changer by protecting your device and making game time more fun and engaging.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Scoop
5 Reasons Why Buying A Rugged Dockable Case Is A Great Investment For Your Gaming Console
Gaming has become our everything—at least for some people. While some dabble in the hobby, others eat, breathe, and sleep their favorite gaming titles. And it's now easier than ever to do just that given that people can play on their phones or use handheld consoles. Maximize Market Research says the portable gaming market was worth $17.87 billion in 2023 and is on pace to reach $27.24 billion by 2030. Considering that a good unit can set you back several hundred dollars, you'll want to protect it. You can do so with a gaming console case. If engaged in an exhilaratingly intense gaming session that subjects your handheld gaming console to a few bumps here and there, you'll be glad if it's in a rugged protective case. You'll see it's money well spent. Here are five reasons to buy a rugged dockable case to protect your gaming investment. The bonus is you can charge it without having to remove the case. 1. Protection from Impact Damage and Drops One obvious advantage you'll get with a case for your handheld gaming console is protection from drops and impact damage. Whether you get carried away while enjoying a gaming session or accidentally drop the gaming console, a protective case can be a godsend. If you get a high-quality case, it'll offer the advantage of shock-absorbing materials or reinforced shells that help to keep your handheld gaming console safe. You'll want to avoid cracked screens, joystick damage, and other problems, and the right rugged dockable case will help. For the best protection, get the right case for your gaming console. For instance, if you have a Switch 2 from Nintendo, find a Switch 2 case to protect your handheld gaming console. A generic cover will offer underwhelming protection and a clunky and bulky look and feel. 2. Scratch Prevention While a scratch here or there might not impact gameplay enjoyability -- unless it's prominently etched on the screen -- you'll want to avoid them. Many handheld gaming consoles are small enough to fit in a coat or pants pocket -- where they could come into contact with keys, pens, coins, and other sharp objects. If your gaming console is a keeper and you'd like to hang onto it for a while, you might as well invest in a rugged dockable case. It'll keep your investment protected and in good working order. 3. Organised Storage for Accessories A rugged dockable case won't just keep your handheld gaming device safe and secure. It'll also provide storage space to keep your accessories organized and within easy reach when you need them. You'll want compartments for game cartridges, earphones, charging cables, and more, and the right case for your device will offer space for must-have accessories. Whether you're at home chilling out in the living room, commuting to work on the bus, or traveling someplace, you'll have what you need when the urge comes to enjoy your favorite gaming titles. 4. Better Ergonomics and Grip Another benefit of buying a case for your handheld gaming console is that it can enhance ergonomics and grip -- which can translate into a more enjoyable gaming experience. Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomic comfort when spending perhaps hours at a time playing games. Depending on the protective case you buy, you can also get textured finishes that improve the feel of the console and make it easier to play over longer stretches. 5. Style and Personalisation Aesthetics aren't everything, but they're nonetheless important. You can get a case for your portable gaming console that showcases your sense of style and personality. You can get something rugged, something sleek, or something combining both. These are some reasons to consider getting a case for your console. The right one can be a game-changer by protecting your device and making game time more fun and engaging.
Morocco World
11-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Australia's Zeus Acquires High Quality Antimony Exploration Project in Morocco
Rabat – Australian uranium company, Zeus, has announced an agreement with Ashgill Morocco Limited, to acquire the Casablanca Antimony Project, described by Australian and industrial media as a 'high prospective' project in central Morocco. The project covers six exploration licenses covering an area of 79 kilometers cubic meters, with reports suggesting that a similar deal could contribute in strengthening the company's position in the antimony market. Antimony is a metallic element that belongs to the nitrogen group. It is used in different industries, including the military, automotive sectors, and others. The element is also used in solar photovoltaics, also known as 'PV.' According to an overview on the antimony market by Maximize Market Research, the market size was valued at an estimated $299.28 million in 2023, with revenue expected to grow by 5.9% from 2024 to 20230 to reach nearly $447 million. ' Global Antimony is a valuable mineral that is regularly utilized in modern industrialized countries. The element improves the strength, durability, and chemical resistance of alloys used in a variety of industries, including lead-acid storage batteries,' the website said. Industry focused website Tip Ranks said Zeus' decision is strategic, set to position the company to capitalize on the 'tightening global antimony market, driven by supply constraints and high demand in industries such as solar photovoltaics and military supply chains.' The website also stressed Morocco's assets, describing it as a region ranking highly for mining investment. List Corp also commented on the acquisition, noting that antimony is a critical mineral that is essential for different industrial applications. 'The global antimony market is experiencing significant supply constraints,' the website said, citing reasons like China's production decline and export restrictions. 'These have contributed to a tightening supply-demand dynamic and record-high prices,' the source added. Tags: critical mineral mining
