Talent Development Courses
Recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce with Mid-State's talent development courses. Options include online or online live courses as well as free, self-paced instruction.
Search for classes and register online.
Current Opportunities
- Technology
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Everyday AI for Beginners
This introductory course offers an exploration of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on everyday life and work. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of AI concepts, discover real-world applications, and engage with AI technologies through interactive activities and demonstrations. The course emphasizes practical skills for leveraging AI to enhance workplace productivity and personal efficiency, using popular tools such as CoPilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini. No prior technical knowledge is required, just curiosity and a desire to learn!
Thursday, September 11
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class ID#: 396 (In-person) Class ID#: 397 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent PresleyAI for Productivity
AI for Productivity is designed for business professionals who are aware of artificial intelligence but are unsure how to leverage it effectively in their day-to-day work. This course focuses on practical, business-centered concepts, including harnessing the power of AI to manage information, streamline communication, and automate everyday tasks. Using demonstrations and hands-on practice with leading tools like Microsoft CoPilot, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini, participants will learn how to use AI to quickly organize and analyze data, draft documents and emails, summarize meetings, generate reports, and more. The focus will be on helping participants integrate AI tools into their regular workflows. By the end, students will have the confidence and skills to make AI a powerful assistant in their professional routine, saving time and achieving more with less effort. No technical background is required, just a desire to become more efficient and effective at work through smart use of AI.
Thursday, September 25
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class ID#: 414 (In-person) Class ID#: 415 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent PresleyGet Found and Chosen Online: Google Business Profiles and Local Advertising Basics
Want to attract more local customers without wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work? This hands-on workshop teaches you how to stand out in local search results using your free Google Business Profile and how to decide whether paid ads—like Google Search Ads, Google Local Services Ads, or Facebook Ads—are a good fit for your business.
You’ll learn practical strategies to show up more often in local search, collect more 5-star reviews, and respond quickly when potential customers reach out—because timing matters. We’ll also explore how tools like text and email follow-ups can help you connect faster, earn trust, and book more jobs or appointments.
Tuesday, October 14
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 398 Fee: $45
Instructor: Daniel MartinsonVibe Coding for Beginners
Would you like to do your own coding? Welcome to a new, creative approach to coding with Vibe Coding—a fun, interactive way to build digital projects by harnessing the latest online tools. This course introduces beginners to coding through a supportive, hands-on environment, making programming accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Thursday, October 23
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 399 (In-person) Class #: 400 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent PresleyEthics and Societal Impacts AI
This course provides an exploration of the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the responsible development and deployment of AI systems. Participants will discuss the foundational principles of responsible AI, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy
Thursday, October 30
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 416 (In-person) Class #: 417 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent PresleyGenerative AI: Prompt Engineering
Unlock the full potential of AI by mastering prompt engineering, the art of crafting effective instructions to guide large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. This hands-on course introduces participants to the fundamentals of LLMs and teaches practical techniques to obtain accurate, relevant, and high-quality responses. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to leverage AI tools more effectively in your professional and personal endeavors.
Tuesday, November 11
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 418 (In-person) Class #: 419 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent PresleyCoding Tools for Programmers
This course is designed for software developers looking to familiarize themselves with the current set of AI coding tools. Explore the capabilities of Cursor, Windsurf, Claude’s code tools, and others through practical demonstrations.
Friday, November 14
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class ID#: 420 (In-person) Class ID#: 421 (online) • Course Fee: $25
Instructor: Brent Presley - Language
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Introduction to Basic Spanish
Join us to continue working toward proficiency in Spanish! Practice with class members to build vocabulary and sentence fluency for interactions in your community. Engage in comprehensible conversations about topics of interest you have and develop your interpersonal conversational skills in Spanish.
Wednesdays, September 3 – October 8
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 339 • Course Fee: $50
Instructor: Jasmine ParryIntro to American Sign Language
Curious about sign language? This beginner-friendly class offers an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), including basic conversational signs, fingerspelling, helpful resources, and an overview of Deaf culture. No prior experience needed—just come ready to learn and connect in a new way!
Tuesday, October 7
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • In Person Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 391 • Course Fee: $20
Instructor: Anna BruckbauerAmerican Sign Language for Parents and Caregivers
Boost your child's early communication skills through sign language! Designed for parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers, this class covers commonly used signs for daily routines, emotions, and needs. Learn how to support your child’s language development while strengthening your bond through visual and expressive communication.
Tuesday, October 14
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. • In Person Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 435 • Course Fee: $15
Instructor: Anna BruckbauerSpanish Conversational
Expand your conversational skills in Spanish through interpersonal interactions based on topics of your choice. Conversations are guided with the use of authentic resources, images, and more. Participants can expect to use all modes of communication, interpretive listening/viewing, interpersonal speaking, and presentational speaking.
Wednesdays, October 15 – November 19
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • Online Live
Class #: 340 • Course Fee: $55
Instructor: Jasmine Parry - Free Offerings
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NARCAN Overdose Prevention Training
This training will provide the skills needed to administer nasal Naloxone (NARCAN®). It will cover how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer the reversal drug Naloxone.
Monday, September 22
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. • SIM Center, Riverview Hospital Wisconsin Rapids
Class #: 392 • Course Fee: Free
Instructor: Ashley Normington Wood County Health DepartmentThursday, September 25
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. • SIM Center, Riverview Hospital Wisconsin Rapids
Class #: 393 • Course Fee: Free
Instructor: Ashley Normington Wood County Health Department - Professional Development
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Effective Team Management
Move from being a task-focused Manager to an Inspiring Leader that brings out the best in their people. This course is designed to assist anyone who has responsibility for leading people. Focus is put on how to set the example, communicate, and coach effectively to drive performance. The course dives into the interpersonal skills necessary to Lead and Inspire your teams. Emphasis will be put on real-world scenarios that provide skill set practice that can be immediately implemented in the work setting.
Tuesdays, September 9 – October 28
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 292 • Course Fee: $495
Instructor: Rich GaertnerFrom Good to Great: Developing Professional Skills for Success
The world of business is constantly changing. Building positive customer and work relationships are the building blocks of any successful endeavor. In this course, participants will build upon their strengths and use practical and interactive exercises to develop their relational skill sets. Participants will develop and practice the effective soft skills required to be an effective team member, handle conflict, deal with difficult customer situations, and apply critical thinking to problem solving. The class meets for three hours once a week for 10 weeks for a total of 30 hours.
Thursdays, September 11 – November 13
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 293 • Course Fee: $395
Instructor: Rich GaertnerSHRM Prep Course done
This Course is designed primarily for individuals seeking SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. The SHRM Learning System includes five modules covering the comprehensive SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge, so you’ll learn everything you need for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam.
This course meets online "live" with the instructor every Thursday evening. This course price does not include the SHRM exam.Thursdays, September 18 – December 11
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. • Online Live
Class #: 299 • Course Fee: $1,390
Instructor: Scott GundersonWebsite for Small Business
This hands-on course guides you in creating your own professional website—no coding or web experience needed. In two focused sessions, you’ll set up your website, choose and customize a template, and add content using text, images, and simple layouts. You’ll also build intuitive navigation and add interactivity with forms, buttons, and media. Key business essentials like SEO, analytics, and mobile optimization are covered, along with step-by-step publishing and maintenance tips. By course end, you’ll have a complete, attractive website and the confidence to manage it—giving your small business a polished online presence.
Tuesdays, October 21 & October 28
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 394• Course Fee: $120
Instructor: Brent PresleyEmotional Intelligence & Conflict
Emotional intelligence describes the ability to understand one’s own feelings, and that of groups, and how these emotions can influence motivation and behavior. The concepts of emotional intelligence were first introduced by Wayne Payne in 1985. As a result of the growing acknowledgement by professionals of the importance and relevance of emotions to work outcomes, the research on the topic continued to gain momentum.
Wednesday, September 24
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 300 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Ted MelbyCoaching, Mentoring and Delegation
This session focuses on how to empower your team. We will cover how to coach with a growth mindset. We will discuss how delegation can increase employee autonomy and ownership. We will also work to develop a collective understanding that when you delegate properly, you are entering into a mentorship relationship. You will also learn about your style as a mentor as well as the way you prefer to be mentored.
Wednesday, November 5
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 344 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Ted MelbyCivility in the 21st Century: A Modern Training Program
This dynamic program explores the evolving meaning of civility in today’s workplaces and communities, addressing key topics such as digital communication etiquette, inclusive dialogue, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution. Participants will gain practical tools for fostering respectful environments where diverse perspectives are valued and collaboration can thrive.
Wednesday, September 17
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Marshfield
Class ID#: 409 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim BrewbakerWednesday, October 8
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids
Class ID#: 436 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim BrewbakerLeadership in the 21st Century: Training Program
Today’s leaders face complex challenges, from managing hybrid teams to building trust in a digital world. This interactive course blends timeless leadership principles with modern strategies to build emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and change leadership. Through real-world case studies and hands-on activities, participants gain the agility, ethics, and vision to lead with impact in a fast-paced environment.
Wednesday, October 15
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Marshfield Campus
Class ID#: 438 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim BrewbakerWednesday, October 22
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 439 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim BrewbakerEmpathy: A Modern Guide to Human Connection 47196536
In an era of digital communication, rapid change, and growing social complexity, the ability to truly connect with others is more essential than ever. Empathy in the 21st Century is a transformative training program that explores empathy as a foundation for meaningful relationships, effective leadership, and inclusive communities. Participants will gain practical tools to understand diverse perspectives, manage emotional responses, and foster deeper human connection—especially in virtual settings, across cultures, and during times of conflict or stress.
Thursday, November 13
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Marshfield Campus
Class ID#: 440 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim BrewbakerTuesday, November 18
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 441 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim BrewbakerResiliency: Building Strength in Time of Challenge
This class explores psychology and types of resilience, offering practical, research-based strategies to strengthen it in today’s complex world. Participants will gain insight into how resilience works and develop tools to build mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility for navigating stress and adversity with confidence.
Tuesday, December 2
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Marshfield Campus
Class ID#: 442 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim BrewbakerTuesday, December 9
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 443 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim Brewbaker - Public Safety
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Scenario Instructor
This course prepares Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certified instructors with the knowledge, tools and understanding of the safety and administrative needs associated with scenario training and testing activities. The course goal is to prepare instructor personnel to provide realistic, safe and effective preparatory level training and assessments, as well as to serve as a safety protocol aid for active law enforcement/jail, in-service and law enforcement/jail community training programs. The course objectives are established through the roles and functions of the Safety Coordinator (SO) and the Exercise Control Officer (ECO) and common safety practices. Elements of teaching and learning will be covered including coaching, debriefing, evaluations, direction of role players and ensuring compliance with safety protocols while using a variety of techniques to meet the needs of learning with different learning styles. Prerequisite: Must have completed the 32-hour CJ-IDC course before attending OR be a currently certified LESB instructor. Must be a certified officer with at least 5 years’ experience. Must pass any skills evaluation conducted at the beginning of this course.
Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID: 374• Course Fee: $58.50
Instructor: Anthony HiessCriminal Justice Instructor Development
This course is for those wishing to become certified as a WI DOJ Training and Standards-level Instructor. This course prepares criminal justice instructor candidates to create effective environments to support learners. Competencies include planning and managing learning, training and evaluation methods, and delivering teaching scenarios. This curriculum is endorsed by the Law Enforcement Standards Board and required of instructors seeking LESB certification.
Tuesday, September 2 – Friday, September 5
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 342 • Course Fee: $175Concealed Carry Firearm Safety Course (Create a certificate)
This model curriculum has been developed to support the implementation of 2011 Wisconsin Act 35. This course provides an overview of handgun safety practices and concealed carry considerations. It is designed as a safety course, not a training course.
Monday, October 20
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 374• Course Fee: $40Professional Communications Instructor
This course prepares Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certified officers to effectively administer and teach the Professional Communication Skills (PCS) training program. This course emphasizes teaching and learning techniques that promote active learning, support learners with a variety of learning preferences and needs and generate continuous improvements in teaching and learning. The goal of this program is to prepare certified officers who are proficient in using PCS techniques to deliver LESB-approved PCS curriculum. Prerequisite: Must have completed the 32-hour CJ-IDC course before attending OR be a currently certified LESB instructor. Must be a certified officer with at least 3 years' experience. Must pass any skills evaluation conducted at the beginning of this course.
Monday, November 10 – Wednesday, November 12
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 370 • Course Fee: $210OMVWI/SFST Instructor Training
This 24-hour SFST Instructor Course prepares law enforcement professionals to effectively administer and teach the Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OMVWI)/Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) training program. Emphasizes techniques that support active learning, various learning preferences and needs, and continuous improvement in teaching/learning. Successful students will be eligible to become LESB Certified SFST Instructors.
Prerequisites
Must have completed the 32-hour CJ-IDC course, be a certified officer with at least 3 years’ experience, and have passed SFST training (NHTSA Curriculum with 2 volunteer drinking subject practice sessions/workshops where administered HGN, WAT and 1 leg-stand); AND continued proficiency in enforcement operations or alcohol workshops since training.
Wednesday, December 10 – Friday, December 12
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 378 • Course Fee: $120
Additional Options
Looking for something else?
- Take a look at our continuing education offerings for a variety of professional upskilling options.
- Check out additional online classes through our partnership with ed2go.
- Explore Mid-State’s customized workforce training.
