INDIANA (WTWO/WAWV) — Ivy Tech Community College announced Thursday it will begin offering a new certificate on Jan. 1, 2022 in Applied Organizational Leadership Studies in order to provide businesses with short-term training for new managers, team leaders and other leadership roles.
The certificate, according to a news release, offers “practical, industry-specific training in the hard and soft-skills required to not only lead teams, but to help lead organizational growth”.
“The pandemic has resulted in a decreased workforce in many industries, and businesses have promoted or hired new employees who may have technical skills but lack leadership skills,” Sarah Shepler, Ivy Tech business administration program chair, said. “Through statewide research, Ivy Tech discovered that our industry partners need employees to develop skills beyond day-to-day management. They need employees to learn strategic leadership skills to help advance their organizations, navigate turbulent times, and help develop other employees. Ivy Tech’s new AOLS certificate will prepare students to help their organizations grow.”
The AOLS program was designed as a response to employer needs in career fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and service industries.
“A nurse promoted to a charge nurse, a CNC operator promoted to a supervisor, or a food service worker promoted to management are all examples of positions that would benefit from leadership education,” Shepler added.
AOLS program participants will receive individualized training specific to their industry, and may have the opportunity to receive position-specific training. Courses will be offered in a “blended format” with once a week in-person meetings, and an online component that students can complete during time off.
Students who start the AOLS program in January 2022 are able to finish by the end of July. Financial aid is available to eligible individuals.
Companies interested in their employees participating in the AOLS program can partner with Ivy Tech to take away all up-front costs for employees through the Achieve Your Degree program. Through the partnership, Ivy Tech will defer all tuition until the end of the semester, and students would only owe what is not covered by financial aid or their company’s educational benefits plan.
Companies interested in offering the AOLS certificate to their employees should contact Rod Dowell at (812) 298-2492 or rdowell3@ivytech.edu. Individuals interested in learning more should contact Ivy Tech Terre Haute at ivytech.edu/visitus and ask about the AOLS program.
