Workforce Training and EducationTraining & Certification Programs

Lead with confidence and make a lasting impact with the Introductory Volunteer Management Program from Volunteer Maine/Maine Commission for Community Service and UMaine Extension! This self-paced program is perfect for anyone who coordinates, supervises, or engages with volunteers. You’ll learn the essentials of volunteer management, including: Recruiting and retaining motivated volunteers. Effective communication and leadership strategies. Best practices for organizing and supporting volunteer teams. By completing this course, you’ll not only gain valuable skills but also earn the Volunteer Management Micro-Credential. This badge showcases your expertise in volunteer coordination and leadership, making it a valuable asset for your resume, LinkedIn profile, or professional portfolio. Whether you’re new to managing volunteers or looking to strengthen your skills, this program provides the foundation you need to inspire and lead successful teams.

Flexible online learning plus a hands-on apprenticeship experience make this course ideal for those starting a horticulture career, enhancing existing skills, or launching their own business. You will learn: Introduction to the Industry and Food Security Foundations of Horticulture: Ecology, Botany, Propagation, Soils, Composting Food Production: Vegetable Gardening, Garden Maintenance, Food Safety, Small and Tree Fruits Garden Pests and Diseases: Prevention, Identification and Management Maine Landscape and Design: Plant Selection, Design, and Maintenance Experience a 200-hour apprenticeship that offers hands-on industry experience. Participants will be responsible for finding their own apprenticeship, with guidance and assistance from training staff.

A self-directed online course allowing learners to proceed at their own pace and revisit any module. Covers four modules on horse judging contests, delivering oral reasons, conformation evaluation with practice classes, and foundational knowledge including gait mechanics and horse anatomy. Includes a final exam for certificate of completion.

Versión en español del curso de seguridad y cuidado de caballos para pen riders y procesadores. Diseñado para enseñar el manejo seguro de caballos mediante videos, actividades interactivas y cuestionarios, con un examen final de certificación. Los temas incluyen selección del caballo, cuidado básico, aseo y primeros auxilios, alimentación, trabajo con ganado y manejo general en el corral de engorda.

Designed to teach pen riders and processors safe horse handling and care through videos, interactive activities, and quizzes, with a final certification exam. Topics cover selecting the right horse, basic care, grooming and first aid, tacking up and equipment, foot care and shoeing, feeding and condition scoring, working cattle, and general horse-keeping in the feedlot.

Part 3 of a 3-part introduction to horses course covering five units with 1–2 lessons each, quizzes after each lesson, and a final certification exam. Topics include Horse Health (Parts 1 and 2), Reproduction and Breeding, Genetics, and Environmental Management. Complete all three parts to earn a comprehensive equine education certificate.

Part 2 of a 3-part introduction to horses course covering five units with two lessons each, plus quizzes and a final exam. Units include Horse Senses, Behaviors and Body Language; Horse Nutrition Parts 1 and 2; and Equine Exercise Physiology. Earn a certificate of completion upon passing the final exam.

Part 1 of a 3-part foundational equine course covering the basics of horses across four units with two lessons each. Students complete quizzes after each lesson and a final exam to earn a certificate of completion. Topics include the historical context of horses, breed identification, physical characteristics, and selection criteria.

A practical two-hour interactive workshop helping Extension professionals explore how generative AI can enhance outreach, education, and resource development. The curriculum covers AI fundamentals, ethical applications, and hands-on strategies for creating digital content using AI tools. Participants receive a digital toolkit for continued learning. Includes live demonstrations and collaborative exercises.

Stay current and connected through WVU Extension’s statewide conferences - covering agriculture, health, and community leadership for professionals and volunteers.

Access hands-on training and technical support in sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and land stewardship through WVSU’s Extension programs for producers and landowners.

Boost your customer service and leadership skills with this interactive WSU workshop - ideal for frontline staff and managers in hospitality, retail, and public service sectors.

Train for a career in fire service or enhance your emergency response skills at Washington’s premier Fire Training Academy, offering live-fire scenarios and certified instruction.

Lead community gardening projects with confidence. This certificate program trains Master Gardeners in leadership, project planning, and volunteer coordination.

Improve communication on your dairy farm with two Spanish language courses - basic and advanced. Learn dairy-specific vocabulary and phrases to better connect with Spanish-speaking employees.

UVM Extension helps migrant farmworkers access healthcare, education, and food security services. Focused on improving wellbeing and reducing isolation.

Grow your leadership capacity in agriculture and rural communities through LEAD Maryland’s competitive fellowship - featuring seminars, networking, and policy engagement.

This training equips loggers with best practices in safety, environmental stewardship, and business management - perfect for those entering or advancing in the timber industry.

Gain conflict resolution skills through USDA-supported mediation training - ideal for agricultural professionals, service providers, and community members seeking to manage disputes effectively.

Offers a variety of training and certification programs around ag technologies, with emphasis on drone used and legal requirements, airspace rules, and flight planning.

Access a wide range of self-paced online courses from Illinois Extension, including crop management, pesticide safety, and food entrepreneurship - perfect for professionals seeking CEUs or new skills.

Boost your landscaping team's skills with SuperCrew’s flexible online training. This self-paced course covers safety, equipment use, planting, pruning, and water conservation. Available in English and Spanish, with a certificate upon completion. Ideal for new hires or experienced pros looking to sharpen their skills.

The Battleground to Breaking Ground program empowers veterans, beginning farmers, and ranchers with business planning, production skills, and mentorship.

Learn how to fly drones legally and safely with Purdue’s UAV program. Covers FAA Part 107 test prep, flight planning, and hands-on drone operation.

Train to become a skilled butcher through hands-on apprenticeships and online modules - ideal for those entering meat processing or retail.

Learn English with a focus on agriculture through Cornell’s mentorship program. Combines professional instruction with personalized support to help non-native speakers thrive in ag careers.

Gain hands-on training through short-term certificates and apprenticeships designed to meet local employment needs and launch careers in industry trades. See the website for all available offerings.