Variety of courses, workshops offered at WCU's Biltmore Park site
Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment is offering courses and workshops through early November focusing on retirement, Six Sigma training, employment law and the challenge of recruiting employees in the “Age of the Millennial.”
A three-part “Retirement Planning Today” course will be held at WCU’s instructional site at Biltmore Park Town Square in Asheville from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on three days – Wednesday, Oct. 17; Monday, Oct. 22; and Wednesday, Oct. 24.
“As an educational experience, ‘Retirement Planning Today’ contains something for everyone,” said Jacob Sadler, a course instructor and certified financial planner. “We address financial issues that pertain to most people as they prepare for retirement. The course will help participants develop a framework for their retirement plan and covers information that can help to align personal finances with personal values in order to accomplish your most important goals in life.” The registration fee for the course is $79.
Six Sigma Yellow Belt training will be offered at the Biltmore Park site beginning Tuesday, Oct. 23, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 26. Sessions are set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 through Thursday, Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26.
Todd Creasy, associate professor in WCU’s College of Business and Juran Institute certified master black belt in Six Sigma, will serve as instructor for the program. “This program is designed to offer ideas and tools for immediate use at your workplace,” Creasy said. “Six Sigma participants will learn what makes companies like Amazon, General Electric, Bank of America, Boeing and 3M the best in their field.” The registration fee is $1,099.
In line with the late October theme of Halloween, a workshop detailing “horror stories” from the current interpretations of employment law will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at Biltmore Park.
“Small businesses, large businesses and nonprofit organizations are fertile grounds for these horror stories,” said workshop instructor and employment attorney Jon Yarbrough, who practices with the national labor and employment law firm of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete in Asheville. Registration is $99.
Coming up Friday, Nov. 2, is a workshop that will focus on “Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining the Best Talent in the Age of the Millennial.” Set for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Biltmore Park, the workshop will be led by Darrius Stanley, WCU assistant professor of educational leadership.
“Today’s workforce is becoming increasingly diverse; however, our companies, organizations and institutions remain static at best,” Stanley said. “Organizations struggle to recruit and retain the best and new millennial talent.”
The workshop will be divided into three sessions: “The Millennial Experience,” “My Organization and Me” and “Re-imagining the Organization.” The registration fee is $125.
For more information about programs offered by the Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment and to register for programs, visit pdp.wcu.edu or call 828-227-7397.
WCU’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment, part of the Division of Educational Outreach, provides opportunities to individuals to further their careers through education and training.
