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Workforce Development

Perkins Building
Room 202

859-622-6216

Department Directory

Workforce Development

Workforce Development provides quality professional development and training opportunities throughout Kentucky and draws upon the expertise of faculty, area business leaders, and professional trainers to develop and deliver programs tailored to meet the current economic needs of business and industry.

We are dedicated to giving our students the best training possible through exceptional classroom and field experiences, thereby equipping professionals with the tools they need to be successful in their chosen occupation.

Training Catalog (PDF) Online Registration

Certificate Programs

Now that you are a supervisor, you have most likely developed the technical skills required in your field. Your continued success depends on the ability to get things accomplished through others. EKU’s supervision program develops your interpersonal skills or “people skills” area. The programs are designed to offer a bridge between technical skills and supervising others to increase overall company performance. These classes are helpful for new supervisors, those without formal training, and workers who hope to move into a supervisory role in the future.

  • Basic Supervision Certificate – The First Line Supervision Program begins with an 18-hour seminar (3 one-day classes), Basic Core Concepts I. Participants then select additional 18 hours (3 days) of elective seminars—6 hours of which may be computer classes. This completes the Basic Supervision Certificate for a total of 36 hours. Basic Core Concepts I is required to receive the Basic Supervision Certificate.
  • Advanced Supervision Certificate – Advanced Supervision is the second phase of the program and consists of another 18-hour seminar (3 one-day classes), Advanced Core Concepts II. Participants then select an additional 18 hours (3 days) of elective seminars— 6 hours of which may be computer classes—for a total of 36 hours of training. This completes the Advanced Supervision Certificate. Advanced Core Concepts II is required to receive the Advanced Supervision Certificate.

For more information, contact shari.vanhoose@eku.edu

The Manufacturing Maintenance Technician Certification Program is designed to provide basic and advanced training for new and existing maintenance personnel. The program is open to everyone, but job expectations and skills will be reinforced by job activities. We recommend a blend of maintenance training and “on the job” work activities for participants to receive the fullest benefits from the program. The program features Basic and Advanced Certification. Each certification involves completion of selected technical classes that cover a variety of topics and three modules of foundation classes to provide comprehensive training in basic skills and management tools to complement the technical content of the program.

For more information, contact susan.cornelius@eku.edu

Leadership Excellence is a high-octane course that uses a variety of active-learning strategies: exercises, role plays, videos, class discussions and case projects to promote application and long-term retention of the knowledge and skills gained in the course. Middle Managers in all types of organizations face additional challenges as compared to first-line supervisors, due to the increased complexity of the irresponsibility and managing individuals who are supervising others. To be successful, Middle Managers need to hone their skills and approaches to maximize their personal effectiveness as organizational leaders. Course topics will include: principles of human behavior, selecting & developing talent, performance management/coaching, power & influence, communication/oral presentations, human capital value & costing, leading teams & groups, leading in a multicultural world, managing change, accounting/finance and integrity & credibility. Leadership Excellence for Middle Managers is a 70-hour program and the cost is $2,850 per person.

For more information, contact paige.quintin@eku.edu

Online Courses Through Partner Providers

Eastern Kentucky University is proud to partner with Ed2Go and MindEdge to provide a wide variety of quality online courses for professional development.

  • Ed2Go
  • Ed2Go offers online open enrollment programs designed to provide specific skills for positions in Healthcare, Fitness, Business Management, Graphic Design, Hospitality & Skilled Trades.
  • MindEdge
  • MindEdge courses and certificates feature narrative learning and are available at any time. These courses meet requirement for CEU, PDU, SHRM, HRCI, or CFRE credits.
  • The CE Shop
  • The CE Shop offers real estate and mortgage courses for Pre-Licensing, Exam Prep, Post-Licensing and Continuing Education.

Additional Services

EKU has partnered with Canvas Credentials to issue digital badges to students completing training with EKU Workforce Development & Community Engagement. Digital badges are a real-time transcript that can inform a potential employer about your particular skill-set. Our system also includes a pathway tool that provides a visual way for you to track your progress through one of our certificate programs. You can use the pathway tool to determine what courses you should plan to take next to complete your certificate program.

Team Building is an essential part of any organization. Whether your team is newly formed or has been established for a long period of time, you will reap the rewards of letting us assist in planning your next team building activity or retreat! Topics may include:

  • Team Goals
  • Professional Development
  • Skills Building
  • Conflict Management (TKI)
  • DiSC Personal Profile
  • Customer Service
  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
  • Networking and Fun!

For more information, contact susan.cornelius@eku.edu