Professional Development Courses
Ontario Tech University is proud to offer professional development workshops to all employees.
By participating in the professional development opportunities that are available, you can enhance your professional skills, make new contacts through networking, connect with colleagues, stay up-to-date, gain new perspectives... and so much more!
We encourage you to explore the various courses we have to offer and discuss participation with your supervisor. Regardless of your personal or professional goals, we are confident that you will find a program that will provide you with the tools you need to grow your career at the university.
"Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching." - Unknown
- Sign up is available as sessions become published
- Please provide 48 hours notice if you are not able to attend a session for which you have registered by emailing hrtraining@ontariotechu.ca
- There is an internal charge of $50 for all no-shows
How to Register
Are you seeking to sharpen your skills, to deepen your knowledge, or to explore new career opportunities? Whatever your training objectives, HR's Learning Catalogues will help you meet your professional goals.
- Complete the registration form
- You will receive calendar invitations with links to your chosen session after completing the registration form.
In person workshops are usually hosted in Shawenjigewining Hall or Charles Hall classrooms.
Online workshops are delivered via an online platform like Google Meet or Zoom.
The University will accommodate employees with disabilities when providing professional development opportunities. For further support with accessibility needs and accommodation, please contact Health and Disability Management Specialist, Julie Day.
Crucial Conversations Training
December
-
Dec 16 - Winter Solstice Moon Workshop
Date: December 16, 2025Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pmLocation: SHA037
The Winter Solstice is a time to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and our families, and honor the natural world's period of rest. The teachings of the Moon cycles guide us during this time, reminding us of balance, reflection, renewal, and the interconnection of all of Creation. Throughout the year, each moon cycle carries its own teachings. As we begin this session, we acknowledge the current moon phase and its significance during the winter solstice.
Moon Component
To personalize your artwork, look up the moon phase on your date of birth. The moon you were born under carries teachings about your journey, gifts, and way of moving in the world. You will paint this moon phase as part of your piece.
Sweetgrass Teaching
We will incorporate sweetgrass, one of the four sacred medicines. Known as the hair of Mother Earth, sweetgrass carries the teaching of kindness. Its sweet, earthy scent is grounding and cleansing.
During this session, we will braid sweetgrass together. A traditional braid includes 21 strands, representing:
- 7 generations behind us
- 7 Grandfather Teachings
- 7 generations ahead of us
A single strand is delicate, but braided strands become strong, symbolizing community, connection, and collective strength.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Reflect on how Indigenous land-based knowledge can strengthen their professional practice.
Materials Provided
- Canvas
- Paints and brushes
- Sweetgrass (for braiding)
Reflection
Take a few moments at the end of the session to reflect on:
- What teaching resonated with you the most?
- How will you carry this learning into your work or community?
- What does the Winter Solstice invite you to release or welcome?
Miigwetch for participating in this cultural learning experience.
January 2026
-
Jan 22 - Orientation to HR for Managers - Rookie to Ridgeback
Orientation to HR for Managers
Most people, when faced with change and pressure to go faster, plan less. Yet the agile, productive response is to stop, think and plan more. This two-part program will provide you with highly practical strategies, incorporating Agile methodologies, to help you manage your projects, time and energy. Content of this two part program includes:
Date: January 22, 2026Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pmLocation: GoogleMeetLocation: Virtual(non-mandatory)
This course is for newly hired and existing Ontario Tech managers.
This session will provide an overview of:Health and Disability Management
- identify and list the goals and objectives of the Attendance Management Program and the Disability Support Program
- understand the processes around employee sick leaves, accommodation and workplace injuries;
- identify your role and responsibilities in assisting your employees to record, improve and manage their attendance; and
- discuss key areas of concern and opportunities related to supporting time and attendance
Wellness at Work
- identify the benefits of a Healthy Workplace
- discuss the role you play in supporting your employee's health and well-being
- learn where to access resources to support your health and the health of your team
Job Evaluation
- an overview of key concepts in job evaluation;
- documents and tools in how jobs are evaluated;
Recruitment and Compensation
- an overview of the Compensation Program and supporting salary administration guidelines
- an understanding of the process to initiate a position to Recruitment for posting; and
- Effectively plan and prepare for an interview by selecting the appropriate style and structure;
- Compose behavioural and competency-based interview questions and identify prohibited interview questions;
- Appropriately assess and select candidates while remaining compliant with legislation and collective agreements
Performance Development
- The Performance Development Cycle
- Timelines for Goal Setting, Check-Ins, and year-end performance reviews
- My HR Connection and Limited-Term Processes
- What’s in the collective agreement
Leadership Development
- Available programs, succession planning, and employee development
Professional Development
- How learning catalogues are developed
- Why your input is important
REGISTER -
Jan 26 - Managing in a Unionized Environment (for Managers) - Rookie to Ridgeback
Managing in a Unionized Environment ( for Managers )
Most people, when faced with change and pressure to go faster, plan less. Yet the agile, productive response is to stop, think and plan more. This two-part program will provide you with highly practical strategies, incorporating Agile methodologies, to help you manage your projects, time and energy. Content of this two part program includes:
Date: January 26 and 27, 2025Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pmLocation: ZoomLocation: Virtual(non-mandatory)
This course is for newly hired and existing Ontario Tech managers.It is the skills on display in day-to-day relationships that management determines the effectiveness of managers and unionized workers. It is the ongoing resolution of issues and problems that arise daily that will either create a culture of success or one of resistance. In this skill-building workshop, you will learn new skills and have a unique opportunity to discuss the application of the collective agreement into a practical context.Learning outcomes include:
- Understanding and managing the collective agreement with a guided Q&A session
- Managing conflict effectively with disgruntled and challenging employees
- Learning to leverage your communication skills to build trust and commitment
- Knowing when and how to provide constructive feedback that is different from discipline
- Providing the leadership skills that create a “can-do” environment
- Knowing when and how to engage employees to encourage ownership and accountability
REGISTER