The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Employer U program, which focuses on providing workforce development opportunities for the region, will offer two courses this spring/summer beginning Tuesday, April 30, as part of its American Management Association’s University certificate program. Each 20-hour course will be offered in 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 Performance Management will be held April 30 to June 4 from 5 to 8:15 p.m. and will focus on the skills needed to plan, monitor, analyze, and maintain a performance management process. Learning objectives include how to: identify and remedy performance gaps, document and evaluate performance, implement S.M.A.R.T. guidelines (specific, measureable, accountable, realistic, time frame), establish non-monetary rewards and incentives, and use training and development tools, such as self-study seminars, in-house training, books, video, simulation, job rotation, and online training. This course is taught by 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.
Becoming a Manager runs from June 11 through July 16 from 5 to 8:15 p.m. This course will guide participants through the process of transitioning from employee to manager. Learning objectives include how to: develop a leadership mindset, build successful partnerships between employees and management, hone influence and persuasion skills, manage time, projects, changes and challenges, and cultivate critical thinking and problem solving skills. Along the way, participants will explore several leadership styles. The instructor for this course is 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.
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, 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 and click on the “AMA” button or the “Register for Employer U Training” button, 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.