Talent Development Courses

Recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce with Mid-State's talent development courses. Options include online or online live courses as well as free, self-paced instruction.

Search for classes and register online.

Current Opportunities

Technology

Vibe Coding for Beginners

Would you like to do your own coding?  Welcome to a new, creative approach to coding with Vibe Coding—a fun, interactive way to build digital projects by harnessing the latest online tools. This course introduces beginners to coding through a supportive, hands-on environment, making programming accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Thursday, October 23
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 399 (In-person) Class #: 400 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent Presley

Ethics and Societal Impacts AI

This course provides an exploration of the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the responsible development and deployment of AI systems. Participants will discuss the foundational principles of responsible AI, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy

Thursday, October 30
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 416 (In-person) Class #: 417 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent Presley

Generative AI: Prompt Engineering

Unlock the full potential of AI by mastering prompt engineering, the art of crafting effective instructions to guide large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. This hands-on course introduces participants to the fundamentals of LLMs and teaches practical techniques to obtain accurate, relevant, and high-quality responses. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to leverage AI tools more effectively in your professional and personal endeavors.

Tuesday, November 11
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class #: 418 (In-person) Class #: 419 (online) • Course Fee: $45
Instructor: Brent Presley

Coding Tools for Programmers

This course is designed for software developers looking to familiarize themselves with the current set of AI coding tools. Explore the capabilities of Cursor, Windsurf, Claude’s code tools, and others through practical demonstrations.

Friday, November 14
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus/Online
Class ID#: 420 (In-person) Class ID#: 421 (online) • Course Fee: $25
Instructor: Brent Presley

Professional Development

Coaching, Mentoring and Delegation

This session focuses on how to empower your team.  We will cover how to coach with a growth mindset. We will discuss how delegation can increase employee autonomy and ownership.  We will also work to develop a collective understanding that when you delegate properly, you are entering into a mentorship relationship.  You will also learn about your style as a mentor as well as the way you prefer to be mentored.

Wednesday, November 5
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Stevens Point Campus
Class ID#: 344 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Ted Melby

Leadership in the 21st Century: Training Program

Today’s leaders face complex challenges, from managing hybrid teams to building trust in a digital world. This interactive course blends timeless leadership principles with modern strategies to build emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and change leadership. Through real-world case studies and hands-on activities, participants gain the agility, ethics, and vision to lead with impact in a fast-paced environment.

Wednesday, October 22
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 439 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim Brewbaker

Empathy: A Modern Guide to Human Connection 47196536

In an era of digital communication, rapid change, and growing social complexity, the ability to truly connect with others is more essential than ever. Empathy in the 21st Century is a transformative training program that explores empathy as a foundation for meaningful relationships, effective leadership, and inclusive communities. Participants will gain practical tools to understand diverse perspectives, manage emotional responses, and foster deeper human connection—especially in virtual settings, across cultures, and during times of conflict or stress.

Thursday, November 13
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Marshfield Campus
Class ID#: 440 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim Brewbaker

Tuesday, November 18
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 441 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim Brewbaker

Resiliency: Building Strength in Time of Challenge

This class explores psychology and types of resilience, offering practical, research-based strategies to strengthen it in today’s complex world. Participants will gain insight into how resilience works and develop tools to build mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility for navigating stress and adversity with confidence.

Tuesday, December 2
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Marshfield Campus
Class ID#: 442 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim Brewbaker

Tuesday, December 9
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 443 • Course Fee: $40
Instructor: Kim Brewbaker

Public Safety

Professional Communications Instructor

This course prepares Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certified officers to effectively administer and teach the Professional Communication Skills (PCS) training program.  This course emphasizes teaching and learning techniques that promote active learning, support learners with a variety of learning preferences and needs and generate continuous improvements in teaching and learning.  The goal of this program is to prepare certified officers who are proficient in using PCS techniques to deliver LESB-approved PCS curriculum.  Prerequisite: Must have completed the 32-hour CJ-IDC course before attending OR be a currently certified LESB instructor. Must be a certified officer with at least 3 years' experience. Must pass any skills evaluation conducted at the beginning of this course.

Monday, November 10 – Wednesday, November 12
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 370 • Course Fee: $210

OMVWI/SFST Instructor Training

This 24-hour SFST Instructor Course prepares law enforcement professionals to effectively administer and teach the Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OMVWI)/Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) training program. Emphasizes techniques that support active learning, various learning preferences and needs, and continuous improvement in teaching/learning. Successful students will be eligible to become LESB Certified SFST Instructors.

Prerequisites
Must have completed the 32-hour CJ-IDC course, be a certified officer with at least 3 years’ experience, and have passed SFST training (NHTSA Curriculum with 2 volunteer drinking subject practice sessions/workshops where administered HGN, WAT and 1 leg-stand); AND continued proficiency in enforcement operations or alcohol workshops since training.

Wednesday, December 10 – Friday, December 12
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Class ID#: 378 • Course Fee: $120

Additional Options

Looking for something else? 

• Take a look at our continuing education offerings for a variety of professional upskilling options.
• Check out additional online classes through our partnership with ed2go.
• Explore Mid-State’s customized workforce training.