Green Bay, Wis.—It’s one thing to fill a professional football field with fervent fans of the green and gold on a Sunday afternoon in fall. It’s another to surpass that same stadium’s capacity of 81,441 by filling it with learners.* That’s just what happened over the last year when 85,883 learners —more than enough to fill Lambeau Field– participated in continuing education or workforce training through UW-Green Bay.
“UW-Green Bay is the second largest provider of continuing education and workforce training in the state,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Mike Alexander. “Our growth in this area shows that our region is embracing lifelong education and sees how it strengthens our families and communities. We are exceedingly proud of this milestone and congratulate each and every one of those 85,883 learners who benefitted from one of our programs.”
From July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024, experts and educators hired by UW-Green Bay provided more than 700 learning opportunities, in the form of trainings, workshops, classes and certificates to develop and enhance the skills, interests, and qualifications of learners. Throughout the year, local, regional and state-wide partners collaborated with the University to create programming and training solutions to meet the ever-changing workforce and community needs; a need which has fostered the largest growth the university’s programs since 2019.
“Our relentless approach to education for everyone means being aware of employer and community needs and responding at the speed of business,” said Jessica Lambrecht, executive officer of UW-Green Bay’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Training. “Through partnerships with business, organizations, municipalities and government agencies, we develop the curriculum and training employers need to upskill and reskill their team members. And we also provide learning that’s just pure fun. It’s amazing to impact so many people through education and in a way that keeps them learning, growing and vibrant in their jobs, careers and lives.”
Continuing education and workforce training in the areas of career enhancement, workforce solutions and life enrichment allow the University to attract those 85,883 learners from a broad spectrum of the population. Careerenhancement includes continuing education for municipal clerks and treasurers, state-licensed health and human service professionals, and training new, assisted living caregivers.
In the area of workforce solutions, noncredit certificate programs to upskill, reskill and new skill individuals as they progress or evolve in their careers are offered, with topics ranging from data science to applied AI to project management, leadership, customer service, human resource management and more. Customized training solutions to meet an organization’s unique needs and strategic objectives are also available upon request.
For those who truly never want to stop learning, the University operates the Lifelong Learning Institute, a volunteer lead program that offers almost 200 different classes each spring and fall to those who have retired. For more information about UW-Green Bay’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Training, visit the website or contact Jess Lambrecht, executive officer, at lambreje@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2222.
*A learner is an individual who has had at least one learning experience with UW-Green Bay in a given year.
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 10,300 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 85,208 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest-growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
Written by Kristin Bouchard
Link to original story: https://news.uwgb.edu/phlash/news/08/13/touchdown-uw-green-bay-celebrates-85883-annual-continuing-education-and-workforce-training-learners-enough-to-fill-lambeau-field/