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The Training Place



Our Classes

Practical Problem Solving - 2 Part Series

$395

with Guy Martindale

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 3, 2025 at 8 am, runs for 2 weeks

*Class Held In-Person*

Continuous improvement depends on structured problem-solving. Many organizations struggle with recurring challenges that hinder efficiency and innovation. This hands-on course provides practical tools and techniques to identify root causes, develop sustainable solutions, and implement effective countermeasures using the PDCA-A3 methodology. Designed for professionals in operations, management, and process improvement roles, this training enhances problem-solving capabilities for long-term success.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify and Define Problems: Clearly articulate and classify issues for effective resolution.
  • Analyze and Prioritize Root Causes: Diagnose problems using structured techniques.
  • Apply the Right Problem-Solving Approach: Match methodologies to different challenges.
  • Utilize Problem-Solving Models and Tools: Implement frameworks that drive effective solutions.

Why This Matters to You:

  • Increase Efficiency: Minimize recurring issues that disrupt workflow.
  • Improve Decision-Making: Use structured analysis for data-driven solutions.
  • Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Encourage proactive problem-solving across teams.

Ready to transform the way you approach problem-solving? Register today!

Trainer Bio: Guy Martindale is a seasoned process improvement expert with extensive experience in Lean methodologies and problem-solving frameworks. He has helped organizations implement PDCA-A3 techniques to drive efficiency, innovation, and operational excellence.

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu

Business Writing Skills

$352

with Allison Horak

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 4, 2025 at 8:30 am

*Class Held via Zoom*

Poorly written communication can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiency, and a loss of credibility in the workplace. This course provides practical tools to help you write with clarity, professionalism, and impact—while avoiding common grammar and punctuation pitfalls. Ideal for professionals who want to improve the effectiveness of their day-to-day written communication.

Learning Objectives:

  • Craft concise, professional messages tailored to workplace needs.
  • Avoid common grammar and punctuation errors that undermine credibility.
  • Use Microsoft Word tools to polish and structure your writing more efficiently.

Why This Matters for Your Organization:

  • Strengthens internal and external communication for greater clarity.
  • Enhances professional image through polished, error-free writing.
  • Improves team productivity by reducing back-and-forth clarification.

Ready to take your workplace writing to the next level? Sign up today and start communicating with clarity and confidence!

Trainer Bio: Allison Horak is an experienced writing instructor and communications expert specializing in business writing, editing, and professional development. She helps professionals refine their writing skills to enhance clarity, credibility, and effectiveness in the workplace.

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu

Make Meetings Work

$95

with Joc Clark

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 4, 2025 at 8:30 am

*Class Held In-Person*

Unproductive meetings waste time and hinder progress. This training equips you with the skills to plan, facilitate, and follow up on meetings to drive meaningful business results. Learn intervention techniques to keep discussions on track, engage participants effectively, and lead productive virtual meetings. Sample templates are provided to streamline your process.

Learning Objectives:

  • Use intervention strategies to keep meetings focused and productive.
  • Ensure active participation and commitment to meeting outcomes.
  • Lead effective virtual meetings with clear strategies and engagement techniques.

Why This Matters for Your Organization:

  • Reduce time wasted in unproductive meetings.
  • Improve team collaboration and decision-making.
  • Enhance efficiency in both in-person and virtual meetings.

Ready to lead meetings that drive results? Register today and transform the way your team collaborates!

Trainer Bio: Dr. Joc Clark has over 25 years of experience in leadership and organizational change, specializing in strengths-based leadership and coaching. Holding a PhD in Leadership & Change Management and an MEd in Organizational Development, Joc uses experiential methods to foster collaboration and drive transformation.

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu

Emotional and Social Intelligence

$95

with Joc Clark

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 6, 2025 at 8:30 am

*Class Held In-Person*

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is more important than ever in the modern workplace. It’s the ability to recognize, understand, and manage not only your emotions but also those of others. This training equips professionals with the skills necessary to enhance personal effectiveness, build strong relationships, and become more effective leaders. By mastering EQ, leaders can inspire, influence, and manage change with confidence and empathy.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the Four Core Competencies of Emotional Intelligence: Cultivate self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management for improved leadership.
  • Develop Strategies for Emotional Control: Gain techniques to manage emotional responses and maintain poise under pressure.
  • Build Stronger, Trust-Based Relationships: Use EQ to enhance communication, trust, and collaboration with colleagues and teams.

Why This Matters to You:

  • Improve Team Collaboration: Emotionally intelligent leaders foster a culture of trust, openness, and high engagement, improving teamwork and productivity.
  • Enhance Leadership Effectiveness: Leaders with strong EQ inspire their teams, reduce conflict, and drive positive outcomes in challenging situations.
  • Boost Workplace Morale: EQ helps leaders address emotions proactively, leading to a healthier, more positive work environment.

Ready to elevate your leadership skills? Register for “Emotional and Social Intelligence” today!

Trainer Bio: Jonathan "Joc" Clark is an experienced leadership trainer and coach specializing in emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and organizational development. With years of experience working with professionals across industries, Joc helps leaders cultivate self-awareness, improve communication, and foster stronger workplace relationships.

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu

Measuring Long-Term Collaboration

$95

with Joc Clark

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 6, 2025 at 8:30 am
1 additional session on Apr 2, 2026

Sustaining collaboration within organizations requires ongoing evaluation and strategic improvements. This course, drawing from "Radical Collaboration" by Jim Tamm and Ronald Luyet and "The Speed of Trust" by Stephen Covey, equips participants with the tools to set collaboration goals, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and implement continuous improvement strategies. Designed for professionals and leaders, this training ensures long-term collaboration through measurable and sustainable practices.

Learning Objectives:

  • Establish clear, measurable collaboration goals and track progress using relevant KPIs.
  • Develop strategies for monitoring, evaluating, and improving collaborative efforts.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement through structured feedback and leadership support.

Why This Matters for Your Organization:

  • Enhances collaboration effectiveness through measurable goals and data-driven insights.
  • Strengthens team performance by fostering a culture of continuous feedback and improvement.
  • Improves long-term organizational collaboration through strategic leadership and best practices.

Ready to build a sustainable collaborative culture? Enroll today to gain practical tools for measuring and improving long-term teamwork in your organization!

Don't miss the full experience! Enroll in the complete Collaborative Leadership 6-Part Series here: https://buttethetrainingplace.coursestorm.com/course/collaborative-leadership-6-part-series

Lean Principles

$290

with Guy Martindale

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 7, 2025 at 8 am

Many organizations struggle with inefficiencies, siloed departments, and wasted resources. Lean Principles provides a structured approach to eliminating waste, optimizing processes, and improving value delivery across all functions. This foundational course is designed for employees at all levels looking to build a culture of continuous improvement that enhances productivity and customer satisfaction.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand Lean thinking and its impact on business efficiency.
  • Identify and eliminate waste to improve process flow.
  • Apply Lean tools and techniques to optimize value streams.

Why This Matters for Your Organization:

  • Increase efficiency by reducing waste and streamlining operations.
  • Improve collaboration by aligning teams around shared goals.
  • Enhance customer satisfaction by delivering higher-quality products and services.

Ready to create a more efficient, value-driven organization? Register today and start applying Lean principles to your business!

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu 

Excel: Advanced - 3 Part Series

$290

with John Dahlgren

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 7, 2025 at 2 pm

*Class Held In-Person* Laptops provided

Effectively analyzing and managing large datasets can be a challenge without the right tools. This advanced Excel training equips professionals with powerful data analysis techniques, helping them optimize workflows, improve decision-making, and enhance reporting capabilities. Designed for analysts, managers, and professionals who work with data, this course provides in-depth instruction on Excel’s most powerful features.

Learning Objectives:

  • Advanced Functions and Formulas: Utilize logical, conditional, text, date, and array functions to manipulate and analyze data effectively.
  • Lookups and Data Tables: Leverage VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, MATCH, and INDEX functions for efficient data retrieval and comparison.
  • PivotTables and PivotCharts: Create, customize, and analyze large datasets using PivotTables and visually represent insights with PivotCharts.
  • Exporting and Importing Data: Transfer data between Excel and external sources using text files, Microsoft Query, and web query features.
  • Power Query and Power Pivot: Connect to multiple data sources, transform data, build relationships, and create interactive dashboards with Power BI.

Why This Matters to You:

  • Optimize Data Management: Improve efficiency by automating complex data analysis tasks.
  • Enhance Decision-Making: Utilize powerful Excel tools to derive meaningful insights from large datasets.
  • Improve Reporting and Visualization: Build comprehensive reports and dashboards that drive strategic decisions.

Ready to enhance your Excel expertise? Register for “Microsoft Excel Advanced Training” today!

Trainer Bio: John Dahlgren John Dahlgren has over 25 years of industry experience and teaches in the Butte College Drafting Technology and Engineering programs. He specializes in Excel training and workforce development, helping professionals master data analysis, reporting, and automation.

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu

Labor Law Update

$95

with Ann Wicks

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 13, 2025 at 9 am
1 additional session on Jan 27, 2026

*Skyway Center Fall
*Virtual Spring

Stay ahead of the curve with Labor Law Updates, a comprehensive overview of significant labor and employment legislation changes proposed for 2025. Led by Attorney Ann Wicks, this training ensures that you and your organization are fully prepared to navigate new legal requirements and maintain compliance in the evolving workplace.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand Key Legislative Changes: Gain insights into the most impactful labor and employment laws set to take effect in 2025.
  • Identify Compliance Requirements: Learn what steps your organization needs to take to align with new regulations and avoid legal pitfalls.
  • Develop Strategies for Implementation: Understand how to integrate these legislative changes into your existing HR and compliance practices smoothly.

Why This Matters for Your Organization:

  • Ensure Legal Compliance: Staying informed on labor law changes helps protect your organization from potential legal risks and costly penalties.
  • Adapt to Changing Regulations: Equip your team with the knowledge to adapt policies and procedures to meet new legislative requirements.
  • Protect Employee Rights: Understanding new laws helps foster a fair and equitable workplace, enhancing trust and morale among employees.

Are You Ready to Stay Compliant, sign up today? Join Labor Law Updates with Attorney Ann Wicks and ensure your organization is prepared for the year’s changes in labor and employment law. 

Trainer: Ann Wicks is an Employment and Labor Law Attorney with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour compliance, and more. Ann advises companies across Butte County and California, helping them navigate complex employment laws and maintain compliant workplaces.

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu

*Skyway Center Fall
*Virtual Spring





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