CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Southern Utah University has received funding to offer five no-cost professional certificate programs this summer to assist adults with upskilling, increasing earning potential and enhancing careers. As part of the Learn and Work in Utah initiative, these online certificate programs can also position adults to explore new career paths with low risk.
The five summer career certificates include: Parks & Tourism, Individual Tax Income Preparation, Project Management, Online and Remote Teaching Foundations for Educators and Community Health Worker. Courses begin between April and June, giving participants the opportunity to increase their earning potential and boost their resume this summer.
For those interested in Utah’s dynamic tourism industry, the Parks & Tourism certificate begins April 11 and is designed to help participants gain the skills necessary to assist destination employers and contribute to parks stewardship and outdoor recreation management. Highlights of the certificate include effective customer service skills such as diffusion strategies, communication and relationship management. This unique certificate program is offered in partnership with Utah Tourism Industry Association and combines expertise from those who work with the national parks in Southern Utah, as well as some of the region’s outstanding tourism experts serving as guest presenters.
“Our region has a growing need for workers trained in customer service and hospitality with an understanding of our recreational areas and public lands,” said Maria Twitchell, executive director of Visit Cedar City Brian Head. “This certificate is a great way to find out if a career in the tourism industry is right for you.”
A capstone experience for Parks & Tourism participants is an optional full-day Southern Utah familiarization tour where students have the opportunity to apply course learning to real Utah destination environments. Hosted by Visit Cedar City Brian Head, the tour is an all-expenses-paid live learning lab experience featuring cooperative cultural experiences with the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Southern Utah Museum of Art.
New to the Learn and Work in Utah offerings is the Individual Income Tax Preparation certificate starting May 16. This course provides those looking for a second income or seasonal work at CPA firms the skills to be successful. Students will learn to prepare taxes, work with clients and problem-solve in this dynamic and growing field.
“This no-cost certificate program, endorsed by multiple CPA firms, provides an experiential learning opportunity,” said Jon Lee, assistant professor of accounting at SUU. “Participants will use the skills acquired to prepare tax returns for actual taxpayers.”
After great success, the Online and Remote Teaching Foundations certificate is back again in the lineup starting May 16. Educators looking for a free continuing education opportunity can participate in this course and learn ways to organize resources, design high-quality courses and activities and prepare for the upcoming school year.
The popular Project Management certificate starts May 16 and helps students gain the necessary knowledge to enter a project management career with confidence. It also builds the foundation for those interested in becoming certified with the Project Management Institute’s globally recognized Certificate Associate in Project Management credential.
“Each of these professional certificate opportunities are designed to help adult participants explore career opportunities in a risk-free way,” said Melynda Thorpe, executive director of SUU Community and Professional Development. “The goal is to help participants qualify for higher-paying jobs and to gain valuable, marketable experience in a field they have some interest in.”
For those looking to start a career in health care, the Community Health Worker certificate offers an introduction to the profession starting June 15. With content curated by the Utah Department of Health and current community health worker instructors, participants will be prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, health departments, schools, community health centers and home health.
“With many unfilled job openings in our region, professional certificates offer opportunities for participants to qualify for higher-paying jobs that can lead to rewarding careers,” Thorpe said. “The short-term nature of our programs is designed to help people focus on learning, gain new skills and get to work.”
Due to seating being available on a first-come, first-served basis, it is recommended that those interested apply online soon.
The Learn & Work In Utah initiative was launched by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development and its Talent Ready Utah team in partnership with the Utah System of Higher Education. The certificate programs are available at no cost to legal residents of Utah impacted by COVID-19.
SUU’s Community and Professional Development department offers opportunities for adults to elevate their careers, stay competitive in the workforce and develop as leaders. Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU is known as University of the Parks thanks to its close proximity to several national monuments, outdoor recreational areas and educational partnerships with the National Park Service. Reach your next career peak with SUU by visiting this website.
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