February 14, 2025 — In 2024, more than 4,900 PEF members took advantage of 283 workshops through the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP), a statewide professional development program that is part of the union’s collective bargaining agreement. PSWP utilizes private and public colleges and universities, professional associations, consultants, and for-profit companies to develop and deliver workshops to help state employees maintain and increase professional competency and enhance preparation for promotional opportunities.
“As professionals, keeping up with our skills and learning new skills is vital to our success on the job,” said PEF President Wayne Spence. “There is no cost for members to attend these workshops and anyone interested is encouraged to check out the Training and Education page on the PEF website for PSWP information and other contractual benefits.”
Workshops are offered in person or virtually and determining members’ educational needs within each agency should be an agenda item for Labor-Management Committees so they can jointly coordinate what programs would be most helpful, including educational requirements for licensed or certified employees. Release time is given for courses that fall within an employee’s work hours and supervisor approval is needed.
The most popular workshops offered in 2024 were called Aspring Leaders Program, Managing Multiple Priorities, Structured Query Language (SQL) Basics, and Adapating to Change.
Members should bookmark the PSWP page for the most up-to-date courses and links to register. 2025 trainings will post as they are announced.