Written by: Career Development Department
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is reinforcing its commitment to employee development through the Business Fundamentals Certificate Program, an initiative designed to equip non-instructional staff with essential workplace skills. Led by the Human Resources Division, the program provides employees with hands-on training that enhances job performance, fosters career growth, and strengthens the district’s ability to serve students, families and staff.
APS hosted Cohort 2 of the program on Feb. 17 (District Professional Learning Day), welcoming 20 employees from the Operations Division, including administrative assistants, payroll clerks, crossing guards, custodial services specialists, cafeteria managers, dispatchers, and general maintenance professionals. Selected through supervisor recommendations, these employees engaged in interactive, skill-building workshops designed to improve efficiency, customer service, communication, and technology proficiency.
Bridging Career Growth and Student Impact
APS recognizes that every employee – regardless of role – contributes to student success. The Business Fundamentals Certificate Program ensures that non-instructional staff not only excel in their roles but also understand how their work directly supports APS’s broader mission of student achievement.
The program’s curriculum focuses on practical, real-world skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Key training sessions included:
- Customer Service Excellence: An in-depth exploration of APS’s Customer Service Standards, focusing on professionalism, active listening, and problem-solving to foster a welcoming and supportive school environment where teaching and learning thrive.
- Communications 101: Training in business writing, email and telephone etiquette, and non-verbal communication, reinforcing the importance of clear, professional interactions in school and office settings.
- IT Skills for the Office: Instruction on AI and workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and automation tools, helping employees improve efficiency and workflow.
- Unlocking Your Potential: Strengths and Social-Emotional Intelligence at Work: A session designed to help employees identify and leverage their strengths, build self-awareness, and enhance collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Each session was structured to be interactive and immediately applicable, ensuring participants gained relevant, job-enhancing skills they could put to use right away.
Equipping Employees for Career Growth
Beyond core workplace skills, the program also emphasized career development and financial literacy, empowering employees to take charge of both their professional and personal growth.
Additional included:
- Resume Writing & Interviewing Skills: Strategies to craft stand-out resumes and confidently navigate job interviews.
- Budgeting, Finance, and Personal Wealth Building: Essential financial literacy concepts, including budgeting strategies, savings plans, and homebuying resources.
- Career Planning & HR Supports: Insight into career goal setting, professional identity development, and resources available to employees pursuing advancement.
The program emphasized that career advancement is not solely about promotions but about continuous skill development and professional growth. Facilitators encouraged employees to view horizontal growth, expanding expertise across their different roles, as a valuable strategy for leadership preparation. Participants were inspired to actively pursue learning opportunities, broaden their skill sets, and cultivate diverse experiences that could pave the way for future career opportunities.
Employee Feedback: Real Impact, Immediate Results
Feedback from an anonymous post-event survey was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participants rating their experience favorably. Employees praised the engaging format, relevant content, and hands-on approach of the training.
“I gained knowledge that I haven’t had access to in years,” one participant shared. “This program taught me new things that I can apply immediately in my role.”
“I had no idea how much career support APS provides. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my colleagues,” another noted.
Participants also expressed interest in additional practice-based learning opportunities, reinforcing the program’s focus on interactive, real-world applications.
Recognizing the Leaders Behind the Program
The success of Cohort 2 was made possible by the leadership of the HR Career Development Team and the expertise of facilitators and guest speakers who provided valuable insights throughout the day. Their contributions created a dynamic, high-impact learning experience that kept participants engaged and inspired.
Special thanks to:
- Dr. Veneschia Bryant (Office of Social Emotional Learning)
- James Wilborn & Jacque Scott (Office of Instructional Technology)
- Jesse Miles (Financial Coach and Mortgage Loan Origination Manager – Loan Depot)
Their guidance was instrumental in delivering practical, relevant training that equipped participants with skills to support their professional growth and enhance their contributions to APS.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the APS Workforce
APS remains committed to investing in its employees, recognizing that a highly skilled and engaged workforce is essential to creating a thriving school system.
The next cohort in the APS Business Fundamentals Certificate Program will gather on March 17, the final Professional Learning Day of the SY24/25 calendar.
For more information on this and other career development programs, please connect with the HR Career Development Team at grow@apsk12.org.
