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

Language

Spanish 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, March 18 – April 22 
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • Online Live
Class #: 608 • Course Fee: $55
Instructor: Jasmine Parry
 

Public Safety

Criminal 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, March 3 – Friday, March 6
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 601 • Course Fee: $175
Instructor: James Schuessler

Professional 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, March 9 – Wednesday, March 11
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 602 • Course Fee: $210
Instructor: James Schuessler

Vehicle Contact Instructor Course

Prepares participants to teach conducting vehicle contacts to police recruits and in-service officers based on the Law Enforcement Standards Board training guide.  Topics covered include the context of vehicle contacts, tactical evaluation, approach and non-approach contacts and high-risk vehicle contacts.

Monday, May 11 – Friday, May 15
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 624 • Course Fee: $160
Instructor: Jeff Mares

Professional Development

Negotiation Skills

How comfortable are you with negotiation? We are constantly negotiating when managing workplace decisions, buying or selling, resolving disagreements, or navigating personal interactions. In this interactive seminar, participants will discover how to analyze motivations, evaluate options, and apply proven strategies that lead to win-win solutions. Participants will practice preparing negotiation plans, anticipating challenges, and responding with flexibility in complex situations. Through real-world scenarios, collaborative exercises, and discussions, attendees will leave with practical negotiation skills they can immediately apply.

Wednesday, April 15
2:00 – 4:30 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 609 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Ted Melby

Business Leadership Influence

This engaging, high-energy session is designed for professionals at any level who want to elevate their impact and lead with confidence. The course explores how leadership differs from management by emphasizing influence over control, helping participants understand how authentic leadership emerges through trust, clarity, and intentional action. Through dynamic discussions and real-world scenarios, attendees learn to use power responsibly, communicate with purpose, and strengthen relationships that drive meaningful results. By the end, participants walk away with practical strategies to expand their influence and inspire others—no matter their role or experience.

*Free complimentary drink or treat

Wednesday, April 8
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. • Marshfield Two and a Half Cups Bakery
Class ID#: 610 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Ted Melby

SHRM Prep Course

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, February 12 – Meet and Greet 6pm – 7:30pm, Thursday, February 19 – May 7 
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. • Online Live
Class #: 613 • Course Fee: $1,390
Instructor: Scott Gunderson

Website 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.

Thursday, February 26 – March 5 
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 614 • Course Fee: $120
Instructor: Brent Presley

Performance Improvement Planning and Execution

This course focuses on developing the skills and strategies needed to assess performance gaps, create actionable improvement plans, and drive measurable results. Participants will learn how to set performance standards, analyze root causes, implement targeted interventions, and track progress through effective metrics. Emphasizing accountability and continuous improvement, the course empowers leaders and professionals to enhance individual, team, and organizational performance for sustained success.

Tuesday, February 3
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 616 • Course Fee: $60
Instructor: Rich Gaertner

Adapting to Change: Thriving in a Dynamic Workplace

This course provides the knowledge and tools needed to effectively lead, manage, and adapt to change within an organization. Participants will explore the psychology of change, learn proven frameworks for guiding teams through transitions, and develop strategies to overcome resistance while maintaining engagement. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, the course equips professionals to plan, communicate, and implement change initiatives that achieve lasting results.

Tuesday, February 10 
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 617 • Course Fee: $60
Instructor: Rich Gaertner

Time Management: Maximizing Productivity & Focus

This course helps participants develop effective strategies to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and boost productivity. Through practical tools and techniques, learners will discover how to set priorities, minimize distractions, and balance competing demands. By the end of the course, participants will be able to plan their days more efficiently, meet deadlines with confidence, and achieve greater focus and work-life balance.

Tuesday, February 17
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 618 • Course Fee: $60
Instructor: Rich Gaertner

Delivering World Class Client Care

This course empowers participants to provide exceptional client experiences that build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. Learners will explore the principles of outstanding client care, effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Through real-world scenarios and practical techniques, participants will learn how to exceed expectations, handle challenging situations with professionalism, and consistently deliver service that reflects excellence and organizational values.

Tuesday, February 24 
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 619 • Course Fee: $60
Instructor: Rich Gaertner

Workplace Innovation & Critical Thinking

This course empowers participants to provide exceptional client experiences that build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. Learners will explore the principles of outstanding client care, effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Through real-world scenarios and practical techniques, participants will learn how to exceed expectations, handle challenging situations with professionalism, and consistently deliver service that reflects excellence and organizational values.

Tuesday, March 3 
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 620 • Course Fee: $60
Instructor: Rich Gaertner

Being a Professional: Building Credibility and Excellence at Work

This course focuses on the key attitudes, behaviors, and skills that define true professionalism in today’s workplace. Participants will learn how to demonstrate integrity, accountability, respect, and effective communication in all professional interactions. Through discussion and practical application, the course helps individuals strengthen their personal brand, uphold organizational values, and contribute positively to a culture of excellence and trust.

Tuesday, March 10
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 621 • Course Fee: $60
Instructor: Rich Gaertner

Team Building for Collaboration and Success

This course helps participants develop the skills and mindset needed to build strong, high-performing teams. Through interactive activities and practical strategies, learners will explore the foundations of trust, communication, and collaboration. The course emphasizes how to leverage individual strengths, manage group dynamics, and align team goals to achieve shared success. Participants will leave equipped to foster a positive, cohesive, and results-driven team

Tuesday, March 17 
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 622 • Course Fee: $60
Instructor: Rich Gaertner

Bringing Out the Best in People

This course focuses on the skills and strategies needed to inspire, motivate, and develop others to reach their full potential. Participants will learn how to recognize individual strengths, provide constructive feedback, and create an environment that fosters engagement, growth, and collaboration. Through practical tools and real-world examples, the course empowers leaders and team members alike to build positive relationships and drive high performance through encouragement and support.

Tuesday, March 24 
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. • Online Live
Class ID#: 623 • Course Fee: $60

Technology

Get 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, February 3 
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 528 • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Daniel Martinson

Generative 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.

Thursday, February 12 
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 529 (In-person) Class #: 530 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent Presley

Ai 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, February 19 
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 531 (In-person) Class #: 532 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent Presley

Vibe 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, March 12 
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 533 (In-person) Class #: 534 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent Presley

Ethics 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, March 19 
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 535 (In-person) Class #: 536 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent Presley

Coding 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, March 27 
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class ID#: 537 (In-person) Class ID#: 538 (online) • Course Fee: $25
Instructor: Brent Presley

Creating Your Own MCP Server

In this class, students will design an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that exposes custom tools and resources, enabling AI clients to interact via standardized JSON-RPC protocols over HTTP or standard input/output. The course covers setting up the development environment, implementing and registering server tools, and testing client-server integration, giving hands-on experience with AI service architecture.

Friday, March 20 in person 26406 online 26406
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class ID#: XXX (In-person) Class ID#: XXX (online) • Course Fee: $25
Instructor: Brent Presley

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.