Staff
Development
Employee Training and Development
The Division of Water Quality
is committed to assuring that employees have the skills needed to
perform their jobs and to help reach departmental mission and goals.
To promote the exploration of new information, the Division gives
all employees access to training. Most of the available programs
are in the areas of management, supervision, personnel functions
and computer skills. Access to technical training is also a priority
for the Division and is generally provided through partnerships
with other agencies, in-house or through the University System.
Training can occur through
on-the-job activities, by reading related professional journals,
attending formal classroom workshops and courses, computer-assisted
courses and classes at community colleges or universities.
As a part of your work plan, you and your supervisor will identify
guidelines and goals for your professional development. If you are
interested in participating in any type of training you must first
secure supervisory/management approval.
Supervisory
If you are starting
work in a supervisory capacity, you may enroll in one of the supervisory
development programs to develop your supervisory skills. Diversity
training through the
Equal Employment Opportunity Institute is mandatory for all
new supervisors and managers during their first year. Introduction
to Supervision is another program recommended for all first
year supervisors.
Supervision for Managers and Professionals is a program designed
for experienced supervisors and managers that will enhance current
skills. All new and experienced supervisors should be proficient
in Performance
Management. A series of training opportunities is available
that highlights each component necessary for developing and monitoring
employee job performance. This course is a prerequisite for
the Public
Manager Program (PMP) as is the Equal Employment Opportunity
Institute and Supervision for Managers and Professionals.
The Public Manager Program
is a two-year competency-based program offering a series of in-depth
courses designed to strengthen management skills. Although state
policy does not mandate supervisory training except for the Equal
Employment Opportunity Institute and training in performance management,
the Division strongly encourages specific training for your position.
Your supervisor and the Division Training Coordinator will have
more information on DWQ policy, opportunities and enrollment procedures.
Computer
New computer systems
and software are continuously being installed or enhanced throughout
the Division and many employees will find themselves in need of
computer training. Computer training is offered periodically through
the
Personnel Development Center (PDC) and the Professional
Skills Program, NC State
University, and Wake Technical
Community College. Other state universities and community
colleges also offer courses for regional personnel. Most of the
available courses deal with word processing, page layout, database
development, internet skill, and technical applications.
Approval for computer courses
through the Personnel Development Center must be submitted on a
DENR
Training and Development Form and routed through the DWQ Staff
Development Office. There are several factors that will effect
registration for courses at universities and community colleges
therefore consult your Staff Development Representative prior to
registering.
The Division also offers a
series of computer tutorials that include Windows NT, Microsoft
Word 97, Excel 97, Access 97, and PowerPoint 97. Contact
Frank Dalton or ETU Support for Information on accessing these programs. The Resource Library houses video taped materials regarding Microsoft Word 97 and Excel applications. The library also maintains written text materials for other computer applications.
Professional Skills
Professional Skills training
is also made available to you as state employees through the State
Government Training program. This type of training includes
time management, organizational skills development, communication/presentation
skills and other training opportunities that help you become a more
productive, well-rounded employee. Training and development opportunities
are readily available throughout the Division. The DENR
Training and Development program also offers some of these same
courses and many others not available through state government training.
Retirement
Whether you are
just starting your career with North Carolina State Government or
have been working with the state for years, it is never too early
or late to plan for your future retirement. The Office of State
Personnel offers two retirement planning programs through PREPARE
(Pre-Retirement Employees' Planning/Assisting Retired Employees).
PREPARE for Tomorrow is for
employees who are 50 years of age and older or with at least 20
years of state service. It emphasizes a three-step planning process:
- Building an awareness
of retirement issues
- Providing accurate
information and resources
- Encouraging employees
to take action and develop realistic plans
Areas covered during the workshop
include financial planning, legal and estate planning, health insurance,
wellness, housing, family relationships and meaningful use of time
after retirement.
Preparing Makes $ense is aimed
at younger workers with five or more years of vested state service.
However, some agencies allow employees with less service to participate.
Its topics include state employee benefits, insurance options, estate
planning, tax-deferred programs, home buying, debt reduction, children's
education, investments, wellness, social support systems and personal
skills.
Last Updated:
July 14, 2008
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