Sept. 3, 2026
For professionals looking to expand their career opportunities or break into their respective industries, investing in professional development can make a meaningful difference.
Grand Rapids Community College’s School of Workforce Training offers open enrollment professional development opportunities for a variety of in-demand skills.
Skills to Succeed in Any Industry
Elleena Chrzan, who manages professional development for the School of Workforce Training, cites the versatility as a main advantage of taking these courses.
“These are solid skills to use in any industry,” Chrzan said. “They’re a good foundation for seasoned and new professionals.”
Lean methodologies, Six Sigma, quality management and leadership courses are valuable well beyond a single job title or industry. Professionals can use these skills to improve an organization’s processes, lead teams, identify inefficiencies and contribute to organizational success.
Engineers, manufacturing professionals, supervisors and those interested in Lean methodology are especially encouraged to explore the new Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt certifications, as well as Lean Manufacturing courses which begin Fall 2026. Individuals looking for leadership opportunities or those looking to refine their leadership skills are encouraged to enroll in business courses which include Supervisor Excellence Training and Preparation for Leadership.
Learn From Industry Experts
Tom Benedict, who teaches the Quality certification courses and Supervisor Excellence Training, has more than 20 years of industry experience. He has worked with more than 150 companies to support and develop compliant quality management systems. He also holds multiple auditor certifications.
Benedict uses his experience to cultivate an interactive and welcoming learning environment for participants, allowing them to connect concepts to real world situations.
“He knows how to keep participants engaged with interactive sessions and a welcoming attitude. Students usually go on to take additional courses with Tom, they really see the value in his training.” Chrzan said.
Invest in Your Future
Professional development can feel like a lot of extra effort, especially for people already balancing work, family and other responsibilities. GRCC’s School of Workforce Training designed these courses with those demands in mind. Most courses meet for a few hours once a week.
Courses combine the expertise of seasoned instructors, along with feedback from industry leaders to provide useful, practical training that participants can apply in the workplace. Depending on the course, participants may receive a certificate of completion and college credit.
Chrzan believes that Workforce Training courses like Benedict’s are worth investing in. “A lot of times people are willing to invest the time and energy into the people they love,” Chrzan said. “It’s just as important to invest in yourself.”
Register for Supervisor Excellence Training by Nov. 2
Whether you’re an experienced professional, or looking to start your career, open enrollment Workforce Training courses can help you take the next step in your career path. Registration for Supervisor Excellence Training is open through Nov. 2.
Explore additional Workforce Training opportunities: