140 finish certificate programs
The Training and Development Department of the Personnel Board of Jefferson County announced 140 individual Merit System employees have successfully completed certificate programs.
Sixty-seven completed the Leading People Certificate; 36 completed the Leading Processes Certificate; 34 completed the Professional Development Certificate; 23 completed the Technical Development Certificate; and 20 completed the MPACT (Managers Preparing to Accomplish Change Today) program for a total of 180 certificates among 140 individual employees.
Employees recognized from Vestavia Hills include: Gregory Ackley, Fire, apparatus operator (LPL); Brian C. Davis, Public Services, director of Public Services (MPACT); Scott Hunter, Fire, lieutenant (LPL); Jacob S. Jones, Fire, apparatus operator (LPL); and William Pearson, Fire, captain (MPACT).
They were recognized during a July 29 celebration at the Bessemer Civic Center. The keynote speaker was Dr. Mark Nelson, dean of the College of Communication and Information Sciences at the University of Alabama.
The PBJC Leading People Certificate program is designed for current and aspiring supervisors to develop the necessary skills to lead the people on their team. This program covers topics such as communication skills, the art of delegation and conflict resolution.
The PBJC Leading Processes Certificate program focuses on the crucial decisions that a manager must make to ensure work is accomplished. Sessions cover topics such as strategic planning, critical thinking and project management. After completing this program, attendees will have learned the skills needed to be a strategic leader in local government.
The PBJC Professional Development Certificate program focuses on helping our employees be the best possible employee they can be. Sessions cover topics such as personal branding, networking, professionalism and public speaking. Employees successfully completing this program will have a solid foundation to build upon as they continue their career path in local government.
The PBJC Technical Development Certificate program provides two options: a fundamental skills track or the Office Professional track. This allows employees to customize a program that meets them where they are. Basic Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access are offered, while the elective components allow participants to customize a program that works best for them.
The MPACT program is the newest leadership training program. Participants completed this nine-month program by attending over 70 hours of training classes on trust, communication, accountability and more. They also posted management issues on an electronic forum, interacted with guest speakers, visited local businesses and completed a project designed to improve their department and jurisdiction.
Training and developing the Merit System employees is a key driver for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County.
“These programs are great tools that enable our supervisors and future supervisors from across the Merit System to enhance their leadership and computer skills,” said Lorren Oliver, director of the Personnel Board of Jefferson County.
For more information about these programs or the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, visit its website at pbjcal.org
– Submitted by Pete Blank.