institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and
community groups helps us all to maximize our assets,
reduce wasteful duplication, and promote idea sharing.
These mutually beneficial partnerships tend to result in
more robust and diversified programs.
(and tomorrow’s) workplace. In the near future,
CEU courses for educators and law enforcement
professionals will be added to our growing list of
Employer U programs, in addition to other industryspecific trainings.
Employer U isn’t cost-prohibitive. Training can be
Meeting Expectations
very expensive – hundreds if not thousands of dollars Research has demonstrated that younger generations are
per employee for
particularly interested
even the most basic
in
professional
workshop. In fact,
growth and personal
cost often tops
enrichment.
The
the list in surveys
modern workforce
assessing barriers to
places a high value
employee training.
on being trained,
So here’s the deal…
mentored,
and
coached – all of
Employer
U
which
contributes
needs to be selfto
professional
sustaining.
There
“wellness”.
These
is a registration fee
things don’t have to be
for most programs
complicated or costly,
to cover the cost of
but they do have
materials, trainers,
to be done as more
and other related
people are making
expenses. However,
career decisions based
UMPI is a public
on these growth
education institution
opportunities. This
guided
by
the
has
some
highUniversity of Maine’s
profile
business
system-wide mission
leaders adopting the
of excellence. Part of
philosophy that their
our mission is to foster
employees should be
economic development
trained to the point where
in our communities and to
they become highly pursued
serve as a hub for education,
by the company’s competitors.
which includes professional
This may seem ironic, considering
and personal development. In
that one of the most difficult
keeping with our mission, we
challenges organizations are
are committed to ensuring that
facing today is holding on to
Employer U programs are of the
their best talent. But wellhighest quality, while also being
known American author and
affordable and accessible.
motivational speaker Zig Ziglar
addressed this best by saying, “What’s worse
Next Steps
t h a n training your workers and losing them? Not
Since its recent launch, Employer U has quickly training them and keeping them.”
evolved into a dynamic professional development
initiative. Existing UMPI programs, such as American If you would like more information about Employer U
Management Association certification and our Young or have program suggestions, please contact Kim Jones,
Professionals Institute, are now being delivered UMPI Director of Employer U, at Kimberly.a.jones@
through Employer U, with several new offerings slated maine.edu or by calling 207.768.9459.
for 2016. We are currently developing workshops on
customer service, leadership, social media, effective
communication, and other topics relevant in today’s
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