Education Programs

APWA-MN offers many education programs for managers, superintendents, supervisors, and those who work on the front line.

Download the 2023-2024 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; two courses are offered in 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.
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Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy provides practical knowledge, tools, and skills public works professionals need to effectively manage people and situations. The 2023-2024 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. 
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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 three sites: Plymouth, MN; Sioux Falls, SD; 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. 
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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 2023-2024; the next program will be offered in 2024-2025.  
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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 2023-2024; the next program will be offered in 2024-2025.
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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. 
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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.