Williams Lake Campus
Community Education and Workforce Development: Professional/Personal Development
At Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake campus, the following professional development courses are offered:
- Basic Bookkeeping
- Grant Proposal Writing
- Leadership Beyond Authority: Building Trust and Influence
- Stepping up to Supervision
- Management Skills for Supervisors
- Meeting Procedures and Minute Taking
- Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements
Basic Bookkeeping • XBKP 0600
Gain the skills to work in a small business doing basic bookkeeping.
In this 5-week interactive, instructor-led course, the following will be covered:
- Basic bookkeeping terminology
- Double entry bookkeeping
- General ledger accounts
- Understanding income statements and balance sheets
- Bank reconciliations
- Reconciling petty cash
Dates: February 11 - March 13, 2025 (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Time: 9 a.m - 11 a.m.
Fee: $425
Course Duration: 30 online learning hours in 15 morning classes
Course Format: Online in synchronous instructor-led sessions
Grant Proposal Writing • XWRK 0940
Gain skills and resources to identify potential funders and craft compelling proposals. Uncovering new funding opportunities and developing proposals are essential for organizations to earn revenue to grow and thrive.
Students will review best practices for grant writing, and through the development of a grant application, learn the key elements of the process. This course gives a practical approach to writing grants useful for government or non-profit professionals who seek the knowledge and skill to write persuasive, informative, and professional grant applications.
Dates: Sept 24 - 25, 2025 (Registration will open in July 2025)
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fee: $325
Requirement: Students should be comfortable with using a computer.
Leadership Beyond Authority: Building Trust and Influence • XWRK 0196
This one-day workshop is designed for individuals who want to strengthen their leadership presence, build trust, and influence outcomes without relying onpositional power. Participants will explore the difference between authority-based and influence-based leadership and gain practical tools for communicating with clarity, earning respect, and motivating others through consistency and integrity.
Through interactive activities, case studies, and group discussions, attendees will learn how to handle tough conversations, foster psychological safety, and guide teams through challenges while preserving trust.
This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their influence, improve relationships, and navigate workplace dynamics with greater confidence andimpact.
Facilitator Bio:
Jody is a former corporate leader who now works as a counsellor, facilitator and leadership coach. After experiencing burnout and leaving her life behind for an off-grid cabin in the woods, Jody combines her corporate experience with a deep commitment to authenticity, guiding individuals through burnout and leadership challenges with practical tools and real-world advice.
Dates: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Fee: $195
Register
Stepping up to Supervision • XMSK 0930
Stepping Up to Supervision helps bridge the gap between working as a frontline employee and stepping up to lead the team. There is a gap in knowledge and experience that prevents many employees from moving to the next step in their career. This course addresses that gap and provides the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a team effectively and competently. A recent study showed that 58% of managers said they did not receive any management training. Stepping Up to Supervision introduces and explains key concepts and skills that enable a qualified employee to effectively move up to a position as a front-line supervisor. It discusses the mindset and skills necessary to make the move from employee to supervisor, improve engagement of employees, and develop strategies for continuing improvement.
Course Duration: 15 online learning hours in 5 afternoon classes
Dates: Oct 6 - 10, 2025 (Registration will open in July 2025)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
Fee: $450
Management Skills for Supervisors
This course is a three-part certificate program for all supervisory levels. Managers are offered hands-on training and experience to equip them with the necessary skills and tools required to be an effective manager. These courses will be delivered virtually and fully instructor led. The three parts can be done in any order; you don't have to do Part 1 before doing Part 2.
Topics include:
- Communicating Effectively and Persuasively in a Team Environment
- Recognizing a Win-lose Situation
- Handling Job Related Problems
- Giving Effective Feedback
- Enhancing Interviewing Techniques
- Workplace Rumors
- Conducting a Coaching Session
- Making Quality Decisions
- Improving Relationships
- Building Consensus
Part 1 - Interpersonal Skills • XWRK 0490
This workshop will:
- Sharpen your decision-making skills
- Improve and enhance your relationships with others
- Aid in developing effective and persuasive communications
- Enhance your interviewing techniques
- Provide experiences in handling job-related problems
- Hone your communication skills to handle conflict situations
Course Duration: 24 online learning hours in 8 afternoon classes
Dates: October 20-30, 2025 (Registration will open in July 2025)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks)
Fee: $625
Part 2 - Team Building Skills • XWRK 0492
This workshop will:
- Provide practical techniques to motivate others
- Determine your preferred leadership style, give you practice using it, and help develop increased flexibility
- Promote useful techniques for leading and participating in meetings
- Provide group situations for focusing on leadership motivations and team building
- Sharpen your skills to cope with power shifts in organizations
Course Duration: 24 online learning hours in 8 afternoon classes
Dates: November 17-27, 2025 (Registration will open in July 2025)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks)
Fee: $625
Register
Part 3 - Administrative Skills • XWRK 0494
This workshop will:
- Provide practical techniques to manage your job and delegate effectively
- Outline a comprehensive and flexible system of performance analysis and appraisal
- Identify your time-wasters and give you ideas on how to eliminate them
- Provide experiences in instruction and performance appraisal interviewing
- Give you tips to manage change
Course Duration: 24 online learning hours in 8 afternoon classes
Dates: June 9-19, 2025 (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks)
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Fee: $625
Register
Meeting Procedures and Minute Taking • XWRK 0496
This course introduces the skills needed to chair a formal meeting. Participants will be introduced to meeting procedures and examine parliamentary procedures as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order.
The course will also prepare participants for taking minutes. Topics covered will include the roles and responsibilities of the recording secretary and chair preparation in the production of formal and semi-formal minutes.
Dates: Thurs, Oct 2, 2025 (Registration will open in July 2025)
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $225
Course Duration: 7 hours
Course Format: In person
Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements • XBUA 0206
Understanding and analyzing financial statements is an essential skill for leaders, board members, and officers of any business or organization. The course will offer participants an introduction to understanding financial statements, focusing on the balance sheet, the income statement, and cash flow sheet. This two-day course gives the participants the tools necessary to gain a practical understanding of liabilities, assets, long-term liabilities, and equity. It is focused on practical examples in common language and typical year-end financial statements. Time is included for examining and discussing the various documents, gaining understanding, and coming to conclusions.
Date: To be announced
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $325
Course Duration: 16 hours
Course Format: In person
The following professional development classes are now delivered in an interactive live-stream format:
We offer top-of-the-line training for business and leadership development which combines a convenient and flexible learning format, experienced and caring instructors, and a curriculum designed for those wanting to advance in the workplace. If you require access to a computer, please contact us to make arrangements.
Similar to the in-class workshops, LIVE STREAM workshops are delivered using a virtual platform where the instructor is online and leads the class providing the same coverage that students would have received attending in person. The instructor provides lectures, gives students exercises to reinforce the learning, answers questions, elaborates on topics covered, and facilitates class discussions/ breakout sessions. Students receive all course materials before classes start and are able to follow along the course delivery with their materials. Students should register at least 5 days before class starts to receive course materials.
Many students really like this format. It allows participants to take the training from the comfort of their homes, office, and many other locations. It eliminates the need for travel and allows them to make better use of their availability.
Contact Community Education and Workforce Development at 250-392-8010 or email wlcontinuingstudies@tru.ca to have your name placed on an interest list for upcoming course information.
