Williams Lake Campus
Community Education and Workforce Development: Professional/Personal Development
At Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus, the following professional development courses are offered:
- Basic Bookkeeping
- Food Sovereignty Practicum
- Stepping up to Supervision
- Management Skills for Supervisors
- Meeting Procedures and Minute Taking
- Proposal Writing
- Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements
Basic Bookkeeping • XBKP 0600
Gain the skills to work in a small business doing basic bookkeeping.
In this 5-week interactive, instructor-led course, the following will be covered:
- Basic bookkeeping terminology
- Double entry bookkeeping
- General ledger accounts
- Understanding income statements and balance sheets
- Bank reconciliations
- Reconciling petty cash
Dates: February 11 - March 13, 2025 (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Time: 9 a.m - 11 a.m.
Fee: $425
Course Duration: 30 online learning hours in 15 morning classes
Course Format: Online in synchronous instructor-led sessions
Register
Food Sovereignty Practicum • XFOO 0512
Introducing a new microcredential in Food Sovereignty:
In order to receive the micro-credential, students have to complete both the theory (3 credit RGEN 2080) and the practicum (through Community Education and Workforce Development). Students can however just take the practicum through Community Education and Workforce Development on its own as well.
For more information, Download PDF of Flyer or contact Gillian Watt at gwatt@tru.ca or 250-319-2367.
Dates: Coming Spring 2025
Fee: $1,000
Stepping up to Supervision • XMSK 0930
Stepping Up to Supervision helps bridge the gap between working as a frontline employee and stepping up to lead the team. There is a gap in knowledge and experience that prevents many employees from moving to the next step in their career. This course addresses that gap and provides the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a team effectively and competently. A recent study showed that 58% of managers said they did not receive any management training. Stepping Up to Supervision introduces and explains key concepts and skills that enable a qualified employee to effectively move up to a position as a front-line supervisor. It discusses the mindset and skills necessary to make the move from employee to supervisor, improve engagement of employees, and develop strategies for continuing improvement.
Course Duration: 15 online learning hours in 5 afternoon classes
Dates: March 17-21, 2025 (Mon-Fri)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Fee: $450
Management Skills for Supervisors
This course is a three-part certificate program for all supervisory levels. Managers are offered hands-on training and experience to equip them with the necessary skills and tools required to be an effective manager. These courses will be delivered virtually and fully instructor led.
Topics include:
- Communicating Effectively and Persuasively in a Team Environment
- Recognizing a Win-lose Situation
- Handling Job Related Problems
- Giving Effective Feedback
- Enhancing Interviewing Techniques
- Workplace Rumors
- Conducting a Coaching Session
- Making Quality Decisions
- Improving Relationships
- Building Consensus
Part 1 - Interpersonal Skills • XWRK 0490
This workshop will:
- Sharpen your decision-making skills
- Improve and enhance your relationships with others
- Aid in developing effective and persuasive communications
- Enhance your interviewing techniques
- Provide experiences in handling job-related problems
- Hone your communication skills to handle conflict situations
Course Duration: 24 online learning hours in 8 afternoon classes
Dates: April 7-17, 2025 (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Fee: $625
Register
Part 2 - Team Building Skills • XWRK 0492
This workshop will:
- Provide practical techniques to motivate others
- Determine your preferred leadership style, give you practice using it, and help develop increased flexibility
- Promote useful techniques for leading and participating in meetings
- Provide group situations for focusing on leadership motivations and team building
- Sharpen your skills to cope with power shifts in organizations
Course Duration: 24 online learning hours in 8 afternoon classes
Dates: May 5-15, 2025 (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks) (Registration will open in March 2025)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Fee: $625
Part 3 - Administrative Skills • XWRK 0494
This workshop will:
- Provide practical techniques to manage your job and delegate effectively
- Outline a comprehensive and flexible system of performance analysis and appraisal
- Identify your time-wasters and give you ideas on how to eliminate them
- Provide experiences in instruction and performance appraisal interviewing
- Give you tips to manage change
Course Duration: 24 online learning hours in 8 afternoon classes
Dates: June 9-19, 2025 (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks) (Registration will open in March 2025)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Fee: $625
Meeting Procedures and Minute Taking • XWRK 0496
This course introduces the skills needed to chair a formal meeting. Participants will be introduced to meeting procedures and examine parliamentary procedures as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order.
The course will also prepare participants for taking minutes. Topics covered will include the roles and responsibilities of the recording secretary and chair preparation in the production of formal and semi-formal minutes.
Dates: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $225
Course Duration: 7 hours
Course Format: In person
Register
Proposal Writing • XWRK 0940
Gain skills and resources to identify potential funders and craft compelling proposals. Uncovering new funding opportunities and developing proposals are essential for organizations to earn revenue to grow and thrive.
Learning outcomes:
- Writing style and grammar
- Preparing a proposal
- Types of proposals
- Sections of a proposal
- Prospect research and funding sources
Dates:
March 5-6, 2025
or April 30-May 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fee: $360
Register
Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements • XBUA 0206
Understanding and analyzing financial statements is an essential skill for leaders, board members, and officers of any business or organization. The course will offer participants an introduction to understanding financial statements, focusing on the balance sheet, the income statement, and cash flow sheet. This two-day course gives the participants the tools necessary to gain a practical understanding of liabilities, assets, long-term liabilities, and equity. It is focused on practical examples in common language and typical year-end financial statements. Time is included for examining and discussing the various documents, gaining understanding, and coming to conclusions.
Date: May 20-21, 2025 (Tues/Wed) (Registration will open in March 2025)
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $325
Course Duration: 16 hours
Course Format: In person
The following professional development classes are now delivered in an interactive live-stream format:
We offer top-of-the-line training for business and leadership development which combines a convenient and flexible learning format, experienced and caring instructors, and a curriculum designed for those wanting to advance in the workplace. If you require access to a computer, please contact us to make arrangements.
Similar to the in-class workshops, LIVE STREAM workshops are delivered using a virtual platform where the instructor is online and leads the class providing the same coverage that students would have received attending in person. The instructor provides lectures, gives students exercises to reinforce the learning, answers questions, elaborates on topics covered, and facilitates class discussions/ breakout sessions. Students receive all course materials before classes start and are able to follow along the course delivery with their materials. Students should register at least 5 days before class starts to receive course materials.
Many students really like this format. It allows participants to take the training from the comfort of their homes, office, and many other locations. It eliminates the need for travel and allows them to make better use of their availability.
Contact Community Education and Workforce Development at 250-392-8010 or email wlcontinuingstudies@tru.ca to have your name placed on an interest list for upcoming course information.
