This May, NEIWPCC will launch a new a-la-carte management training series for clean water professionals. The four courses are designed to help operators build the skills needed to grow in their positions, both complimenting and offering an alternative to more comprehensive year-long management programs offered in many states. The virtual classes will be taught by NEIWPCC Training Specialist Bill Patenaude, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England region. The award recognized Patenaude’s role in developing the manager’s “boot camp” model while working for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

“I’m excited to host these specialized trainings for those new to management, those considering the role, and those who have been in management for a long time,” said Patenaude. “The interactive courses will guide participants around common management pitfalls as well as support their professional and personal development.”

The series begins with the class, “Introduction to Management and Leadership.” In this training, participants will examine the different elements and overlap of both managing and leading a team. The second course, “Team Building in the Water Industry,” will focus on group dynamics throughout and within all organizational functions. Students will learn about effective and appropriate written and oral communications in the third training, “Basic Communications: Tips for Water and Wastewater Professionals.” The series concludes with a practice session on building response plans from threats such as cybercriminals, climate change, and labor shortages in “Continuity of Operations: How to Manage Growing Challenges.”

Participants may register for individual trainings or the entire series on NEIWPCC’s website. Students are eligible for Training Contact Hours (TCHs) in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.