140 merit system employees complete certificate programs

The Training and Development Department of the Personnel Board of Jefferson County announces that 145 individual Merit System employees have successfully completed certificate programs. Sixty-seven have completed the Leading People Certificate, 36 have completed the Leading Processes Certificate, 34 have completed the Professional Development Certificate, 23 have completed the Technical Development Certificate, and 20 have completed the MPACT (Managers Preparing to Accomplish Change Today) program for a total of 180 certificates among 140 individual employees. They were recognized at a celebration on Friday, July 29, at 9:00 a.m. 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, and it is essential for those who have the desire to move from manager to leader.

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. “We are very proud of the time and effort that this class has applied towards their goals, and we are hopeful that their accomplishments will have a positive effect on their jurisdictions.”

For more information about these programs or the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, visit their website at pbjcal.org.

Employees recognized from Trussville include: Frank Jones, Public Works, Public Works Supervisor (PROF/TECH) and James H. Moore, Fire, Captain (LPL).

-– Submitted by Pete Blank.