Education Programs

APWA-MN offers many education programs for managers, superintendents, supervisors, and those who work on the front line. Scroll down for more information on each program.

Upcoming Continuing Education Program Schedule

Year/Season Program/Topic Location(s)
2024-2025 Public Works Certificate Program (3 Fall, 3 Spring) Plymouth
2024-2025 UUCIS Plymouth, Duluth, Ames IA, Virtual
2024-2025 Leadership Academy Plymouth
Spring 2025 Workshop: Verbal Judo Metro (TBD)
Spring 2025 Workshop: Professional Writing One-Day Course Metro (TBD), Virtual?
Fall 2025 Workshop: Winter Maintenance Operator and Supervisor Certificates Metro (TBD)
2025-2026 Public Works Certificate Program (3 Fall, 3 Spring) Metro (TBD)
2025-2026 UUCIS Metro (TBD)
2025-2026 HR Essentials Metro (TBD)
2025-2026 Executive Fellowship Metro (TBD)
Spring 2026 Workshop: Fleet Certificate Program Metro (TBD), Virtual
Fall 2026 TENTATIVE - Workshop: Winter Maintenance Operator and Supervisor Certificates

Southwest MN (i.e., Willmar, Marshall), Virtual

2026-2027 TENTATIVE - Public Works Certificate Program (3 Fall, 3 Spring) Metro (TBD)
2026-2027 TENTATIVE - UUCIS Metro (TBD), Outstate (TBD), Virtual
2026-2027 TENTATIVE - Leadership Academy Metro or Outstate (TBD)
Spring 2027 TENTATIVE - Workshop: Emergency Response Metro (TBD), Virtual
Spring 2027 TENTATIVE - Professional Writing One-Day Course Metro (TBD), Virtual?
Fall 2027 TENTATIVE - Workshop: Winter Maintenance Operator and Supervisor Certificates Metro (TBD)
2027-2028 TENTATIVE - Public Works Certificate Program (3 Fall, 3 Spring) Metro or Outstate (TBD)
2027-2028 TENTATIVE - UUCIS Metro (TBD), Outstate (TBD), Virtual
2027-2028 TENTATIVE - Leadership Academy Metro or Outstate (TBD)
Spring 2028 TENTATIVE - Workshop: Winter Maintenance Operator and Supervisor Certificates Northern MN (i.e., Alexandria, Brainerd)
2028-2029 TENTATIVE - Public Works Certificate Program (3 Fall, 3 Spring) Metro or Outstate (TBD)
2028-2029 TENTATIVE - UUCIS Metro (TBD), Outstate (TBD), Virtual
2028-2029 TENTATIVE - HR Essentials Metro or Outstate (TBD)
2028-2029 TENTATIVE - Executive Fellowship Metro or Outstate (TBD)
Spring 2029 TENTATIVE - Workshop: Fleet Certificate Program Metro (TBD), Virtual
 

Download the 2024-2025 Education Program Brochure

Public Works Certificate Program
The Public Works Certificate Program consists of five courses that prepare front line employees for leadership positions in public works. Three courses are offered in fall and spring. All courses will be held in Plymouth, MN and are limited to 25 students. Courses are: Office and Professional Skills for Public Works; Public Works Management and Communication; Public Works Operations and Maintenance; Public Works Organization and Administration; and Technical Aspects of Public Works.
Learn more.

Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy provides practical knowledge, tools, and skills public works professionals need to effectively manage people and situations. The 2024-2025 course is limited to 20 students and meets monthly September - April excluding December. Topics covered include personnel management; communication; conflict resolution; technical skills; management; and navigating relationships among federal, state and local governments. 
Learn more.

Underground Utilities Construction Inspector School (UUCIS)
UUCIS provides practical education to those with underground utility inspection responsibilities. Eight monthly, half-day sessions are held October - May at four sites: Plymouth, MN; Duluth, MN; Ames, IA; and virtual, with each site limited to 25 students. Topics covered include: general duties and responsibilities; pre-project/construction prep; project/construction safety; underground pipeline construction inspection; scope changes; new pipe installation methods; contract administration; and right-of-way management, landscape inspection, regulatory overview. 
Learn more.

Public Works Executive Fellowship
The Public Works Executive Fellowship Program is the only executive-level management training offered at the local level solely for public works professionals. This certificate program allows participants to: Assess their personal leadership inventory and develop a sustainable leadership plan; Develop strategies for navigating and successfully leading within politically-charged environments; Learn effective methods for citizen engagement; and Understand the use of visioning and strategic planning for organizational departments and communities. The Public Works Executive Fellowship will not be offered in 2024-2025; the next program is anticipated in 2025-2026.  
Learn more.

Human Resource Essentials for Public Works
Human Resources Essentials for Public Works equips public works professionals to meet the challenges of managing personnel, employee contracts, and performance measurement. This certificate program covers topics including authority in public sector relations, developing employees and measuring performance, effective discipline and administering a public works contract. HR Essentials for Public Works will not be offered in 2024-2025; the next program is anticipated in 2025-2026.
Learn more

Midwest Regional Water Utility Management Institute
The Midwest Regional Water Utility Management Institute is a three-day program designed to build strong supervisory and management skills. The Institute is sponsored by APWA-MN, SUSA, and AWWA-MN, and is offered with support from Hamline University. 
Learn more.

Roadway Maintenance Training and Demo Day

The Roadway Maintenance Training and Demo Day is a one-day program focused on education and technology exchange through classroom sessions and outdoor demonstrations. This event is sponsored by MN LTAP, MN LRRB, MnDOT, and APWA-MN. 
Learn more.

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