The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Employer U program, which focuses on providing workforce development opportunities for the region, will offer two 20-hour courses this fall as part of its American Management Association’s University certificate program. The sessions will be held at the 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 pleased to offer AMA certification through UMPI’s Employer U program and encourage those looking to hone their management skills and boost their career to consider enrolling.”
The course Leadership Skills for Managers will be held Oct. 16 to Nov. 13 from 5 to 8:15 p.m. and will focus on developing leadership skills and the mindset needed to ensure successful individual and organization performance. Learning objectives include how to: evolve from manager to leader, develop a vision and create alignment, understand the leader’s role in times of change, use power and influence in positive ways, identify today’s biggest leadership challenges, and mentor emerging leaders. This course is taught by Jeff Davis, Master Trainer with UMPI Employer U. Participants will earn 2 CEUs for this course, which is required for the General Management certificate and an elective for other certificates.
Communication Skills for Managers runs from Oct. 17 through Nov. 14 from 5 to 8:15 p.m. In this course, participants will learn how to create and deliver messages with the receiver in mind and in a variety of professional situations. Learning objectives include how to: utilize techniques to improve written, verbal, and nonverbal communication; avoid misunderstandings with clear and concise messages; boost presentation effectiveness; choose the most appropriate communication channel; ask the right questions to get information, encourage participation, and create relationships; identify and prevent communication failures; and become a better listener. The instructor for this course is Jeff Davis, Master Trainer with UMPI Employer U. Participants will earn 2 CEUs for this course, which is an elective for all 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. No prior management experience is required and participants do not have to be in a management position to enroll. Non-certificate seeking participants are also invited to take any AMA course for professional development.
Each 20-hour course is $300 per person, or $275 per person for groups of 5 or more from the same organization or UMPI alumni, and meets once a week. Tuition includes 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 www.umpi.edu/employer-u 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.