Public Works Supervisory Academy

"The key to a competent, hard working staff is their supervisor. The training classes offered in the Public Works Supervisory Academy provided an excellent resource for developing individual skills for each supervisor." - Dave Wepking, City of West Allis, Safety and Training Coordinator III and William Kappel, Director of Public Works, City of Wauwatosa Wis., for the American Public Works Association Award “Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year” for 2009.

Description

The Public Works Supervisory Academy is a 10-class program that provides first- and second-line supervisors with the tools to be effective leaders and managers. Our knowledgeable and experienced instructors provide up-to-date information, as well as opportunities to practice skills and to problem solve with other participants.

In Fall 2009 we offer five of the 10 classes. You can take classes in any order and you can enroll in individual sessions without enrolling in the entire Academy. When you complete all 10 classes you receive a Certificate of Completion, which leads to eligibility for the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program. UW-Madison’s Dept. of Professional Development and Applied Studies offers the Academy in cooperation with the American Public Works Association.

2009 classes

Arranged alphabetically by location
Download brochure.

Madison Area (Fitchburg)

Basic Management Skills
September 9, 2009
Instructor: Gregg Miller, consultant

In this introductory class of the 10-part Public Works Supervisory Academy (PWSA) you explore the supervisor’s role in the public works setting. Learn skills for coaching, teambuilding, setting performance standards, and imposing progressive discipline. Register online

Customer and Resident Relations
November 4, 2009
Instructor: Annette Miller, consultant

Learn to identify citizen needs, respond, and deal with difficult or unrealistic demands so that you can provide better service. Practice becoming a good listener, developing a way of thinking so that serving the people of your community becomes second nature. Register online

Labor Relations
December 2, 2009
Instructor: Gregg Miller, consultant

Learn the personnel roles in labor relations and how to administer state and federal personnel regulations. Through case studies and discussion, learn how to negotiate and implement union contracts. Register online

Wauwatosa

Purchasing and Inventory Control
October 7, 2009
Instructor: Lori Curtis Luther, city administrator

Learn straightforward approaches to controlling large or small capital expenditures. Examine purchasing practices that promote savings, including advanced blanket, cooperative agreements, and two-state bidding. Identify Wisconsin laws that govern contracting, and common purchasing/inventory control errors supervisors make. Register online

Nuts and Bolts of Personnel Management
October 14, 2009
Instructor: Steve Pudloski, UW-Madison Engineering Professional Development

Use the Tool Kit provided in the class to help you interview, select, train, evaluate, retain, and energize employees. Learn how to keep and monitor employee time sheets and records, and how to introduce and implement basic work rules. Register online

Comments from past participants

“As a new supervisor in Public Works, I found these classes extremely helpful. The knowledgeable and approachable instructors guided the class, but also helped problem-solve reallife situations from students. This is a worthwhile program that I would highly recommend to anyone who is a new supervisor or looking to become one.” —Richard Paul, Jr., assistant superintendent, Brookfield Highway Department

“The courses were applicable to everyday workplace situations that front-line supervisors encounter in public works. The instructors have real-world experiences from diverse backgrounds. Classroom discussion was encouraged and differing viewpoints were explored openly.” —Chris Mickelsen, mechanic, Kenosha County Public Works, Highway Department

Registration

Each class costs $155, which covers instruction, materials, and 0.6 (6 hours) of continuing education units. Individuals registering for two or more classes on the same registration form pay $120/class, a savings of $35/person.

Lunch is on your own.

Group discount

Municipalities/agencies that send two or more participants pay $120/person/class, a savings of $35/person.

APWA discount

APWA members working for a municipality are eligible for a 50% tuition reimbursement and non-members for a 25% reimbursement. For more information check out the APWA Web site.

Cancellation

Your registration fee, minus a $20 administrative charge, will be refunded if you are unable to attend.

Parking

Madison area: Fire Station #2 5415 King James Way, Fitchburg, WI 608-270-4260 Free ample parking is available.

Wauwatosa: Wauwatosa City Hall 7725 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 414-531-9487 Park in the lot south of the building.

Contact

Bonnie Schmidt, Public Works Supervisory Academy, UW-Madison Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies. 608-890-2102 or 800-442-4617. bschmidt@dcs.wisc.edu