News

Emerging leaders complete innovative training program

The Emerging Leaders Development Program at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, a new program offered through the college’s Business and Industry Center, celebrated the completion of the program by its first round of participants Dec. 13.

Participants and Companies who completed the first round of training are:

• Robert J. Anderson – PC Assistance
• Zach Cahall – National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
• Juana Cigarroa – Boyd Metals
• Hank Cotton – National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
• Nicholas Elmore – Maple Leaf Awning and Canvas
• Donald “Ox” Hall – National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
• Stanley Landrum – Boyd Metals
• Sergio Munoz – National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
• Lucas O’Steen - National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
• Sean Tappe – PC Assistance
• Lisa Thomas – Meadors, Adams and Lee
• Jeff Utecht – Meadors, Adams and Lee
• Yoki Yang - National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames

The program offers an innovative curriculum to help small- to medium-sized companies in Arkansas train future managers.

“The Emerging Leaders Development Program is the first of its kind in the state,” said Bentley Wallace, UA-PTC vice chancellor for economic development. “With a diverse consortium of small and medium-sized businesses in central Arkansas, and with partial funding from an Arkansas Department of Career Education Office of Skills Development grant, University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College has been able to assist those companies improve their productivity and profitability by improving the leadership skills of existing employees who are moving into management roles.”

Five central Arkansas businesses participated in the training, which provides professional development for their managers. Graduates will be more qualified to fill mid-level positions that may become available due to business growth and normal attrition. The companies involved vary in size and sector and include manufacturing, insurance, metal service and technology firms. Their needs represent issues common to many Arkansas businesses.

It is common for lower level employees to advance into leadership roles if they show competence, initiative, intelligence, and potential. Rarely are these employees experienced at management, however, and the program addresses the workplace skills necessary to excel in management.

Practical, real-world implications are emphasized, such as addressing conflict resolution, working in groups, understanding personality traits, discussing challenges, and communication.

“The difference with the Emerging Leaders Development Program is that it is not a one or two-day canned course, but a 36-week, three-hour course which includes many of the skills a manager needs to become a true leader in the workplace,” said Elizabeth Reves, outreach coordinator and workplace essentials instructor for UA-PTC’s Business and Industry Center.

UA-PTC and its employer partners are now planning for a second round of training. Any employers interested in benefiting from this training model can contact Elizabeth Reves at (501) 907-6670 ext. 3408, or email [email protected].