The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Employer U program, which focuses on providing workforce development opportunities for the region, will offer two six-week courses this spring beginning Tuesday, April 25, as part of its American Management Association’s University certificate program. Each 20-hour course will be offered in the new MMG Center for Professional Development, located on the first floor of Kelley Commons, adjacent to the Campus Center.
Sponsored by UMPI from content developed and published by AMA’s Self Study division, the program is specifically geared to fit the particular needs of working professionals who want to be more effective in their current position as well as be more thoroughly prepared for future advancement, according to Kim Jones, Director of Employer U. By meeting in a classroom setting with other participants from many different occupations and organizations, students are able to see how other companies handle workplace challenges similar to their own.
“Organizations worldwide, including the majority of the Fortune 500, turn to American Management Association certification programs as their trusted source for professional development,” Jones said. “We’re very pleased to be able to offer the AMA’s University certificate program here and encourage those looking to boost their career to earn an AMA certification through their local training partner—the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Employer U program.”
The course Leadership Skills for Managers will be held April 25 to May 30 from 5 to 8:15 p.m. and will focus on the five leadership skills necessary to ensure effective individual and organizational performance. Objectives of the course will include: transitioning from manager to leader, building concepts and skills to lead your workforce to superior performance, developing a vision and creating alignment, appraising leadership performance, empowering others through shared power, and applying Continuous Improvement processes. This course is taught by Tim McMahon, Senior Management and Leadership veteran. Participants will earn 2 CEUs for this course, which is required for the General Management certificate and an elective for other certificates.
Performance Management runs from April 26 through May 31 from 5 to 8:15 p.m. Course participants will gain the skills needed to plan, monitor, analyze, and maintain a performance management process. Learning objectives include: identifying and remedying performance gaps, documenting and evaluating performance, implementing S.M.A.R.T. guidelines, establishing non-monetary rewards and incentives, and using training and development tools. The instructor for this course is Laurie Nelson, Human Resource Manager for Pineland Farms. Participants will earn 2 CEUs for this course, which is required for the Human Resources certificate and an elective for other certificates.
American Management Association (AMA) self study university courses are designed to help professionals from any industry improve management skills needed for success in today’s workplace. Facilitated by experienced educators and business leaders, classes are an effective mix of workbook readings, group activities, and discussions. Participants who successfully complete 10 CEUs (a combination of required courses and electives) earn nationally recognized AMA certification in their chosen field of General Management, Human Resources, or Customer Satisfaction.
Each six-week course is $300 per person and meets once a week. Tuition includes textbook, instruction, and all materials. Payment is due by the first class unless other arrangements are made beforehand with UMPI’s Director of Employer U. To register for a course, go to https://goo.gl/forms/f1P01figbHQlRFCJ3 or contact Jones at kimberly.a.jones@maine.edu or 207-768-9459.
UMPI’s Employer U program, established in 2015, is designed to provide ongoing professional development opportunities through dynamic, customized trainings that meet the unique workforce needs of its clients across Aroostook County with a focus on each organization’s culture, resources, and purpose. Employer U delivers program content full of immersive, hands-on experiences, and in a variety of ways to ensure participants—regardless of their learning styles—are able to understand, retain and apply the information. Existing programs, such as American Management Association certification, the Young Professionals Institute, and K-12 educator CEU courses, are delivered through Employer U, with new offerings being added frequently to address topics relevant in today’s and tomorrow’s workplace.
