Essential Trainings
Elevate your impact with the Essential Training Series! Whether you're preparing for your role in Extension or enhancing your skills in communication, conflict resolution, and volunteer management, these sessions are designed to help you succeed and grow in your career.
AP Essential Training - In Person

- Who: Academic Professionals in Unit Offices (e.g., Educators, Outreach Associates, County Directors). Supervisors may also send civil service staff when it benefits the unit or career development.
- What: The Academic Professional Essential Training Series (APETS) is a four-part series designed to prepare AP field staff for their roles in Extension. Topics include:
- Program Planning and Assessment
- Community Engagement
- Facilitation
- Learning Innovations
- When: Each topic is covered quarterly, following the 2-day New Staff Orientation.
- Completion: It is recommended that all four quarterly sessions be completed within two years of employment.
- Where: Sessions take place at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign.
Upcoming Dates:
2025 Training Dates | 2026 Training Dates |
---|---|
Program Planning and Evaluation | February 12* Program Planning and Evaluation |
Community Engagement | May 14* Community Engagement |
Meeting Facilitation | August 27* Meeting Facilitation |
Learning Innovations | December 10* Learning Innovations |
Click the date to access the registration.
*Tentative APETS dates.
Make travel plans with your local office in advance.
EPC Essential Training - In Person

- Who: EPCs who manage volunteers. Supervisors determine if this training aligns with specific EPC roles. Staff who have completed onboarding or been with Extension for over a year may attend with Unit Director approval.
- What: This training equips EPCs with skills in communication, conflict resolution, onboarding volunteers, and volunteer management systems. It also covers meeting facilitation and group dynamics and provides a year-at-a-glance for 4-H, NREE, and AAB programs.
- When: Sessions will follow February and August New Staff Orientations.
- Completion: Within the first six months of employment.
- Where: Sessions take place at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign.
Upcoming dates:
2025 Training Dates | 2026 Training Dates |
---|---|
February 12* | |
August 27* |
Click the date to access the registration.
*Tentative EPC Essential Training dates.
Make travel plans with your local office in advance.