Upcoming custom training programs from Bemidji State University’s Optivation venture include an introduction to performance appraisals, employee coaching and termination, and a recertification course for commercial vehicle inspectors.

The online Performance Appraisals, Coaching and Termination training program begins Oct. 15, and the commercial vehicle inspector re-certification will be held Oct. 18 at Northwest Technical College.

Performance Appraisals, Coaching and Termination
This course is an introduction to key human resources concepts designed to help small businesses save money by retaining their employees – studies show it costs more than $3,500 to replace a single $8-per-hour employee. Optivation’s training will discuss basic steps that small businesses can take to help increase productivity and decrease employee turnover, including the use of performance management systems, coaching and termination.

The online course is self-paced, and designed to allow participants with the time to focus on the topics most beneficial to them. The course will teach participants different methods of performance appraisals, skills for coaching performance and ways to speak “reward language” that can be unique to individual employees. Participants also will learn how to develop a corrective action and reward plan and how to develop a performance appraisal form.

The course begins Oct. 15 and will run through Oct. 28. It carries a $200 registration fee and will be taught by Lyndi Odegard, a Bemidji State alum and experienced human resources professional with a background in a variety of business types. To register, visit http://bit.ly/T3YXbp.

Commercial vehicle inspector re-certification
This course is intended for commercial vehicle inspectors whose licenses have expired in the last six months or will be expiring soon. The course is limited to 30 participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The course will be held Oct. 18 in room 314 at Northwest Technical College. It carries a registration fee of $105 and will be taught by Keith Williamson. To register, visit http://bit.ly/QJS3Lx.

Optivation is a joint venture of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College offering custom training solutions and non-credit courses in on-site, online and blended formats. For more information, contact Kerry Ross, associate director of Optivation, (218) 755-4902.

LINKS
• Optivation
• Registration: Performance Appraisals, Coaching & Termination
• Registration: Commercial vehicle inspector recertification