Employee Training

UMKC TalentLink trains groups at businesses and nonprofits to help employees gain and strengthen practical skills in a short, focused timeframe. Your employees may take courses and certificate programs online, in person, or onsite at your business.

We work with you to build better leaders, communicators, and employees. We don’t prescribe solutions. UMKC TalentLink listens, learns, and partners with each client to understand needs.

We offer training in these core areas.

Case Study: Sharpening Soft Skills and Improving Workplace Readiness to Serve Others at City Union Mission

UMKC TalentLink provided training on soft skills by expert instructor Jeremy Gray customized for City Union Mission’s team of guest coordinators. Read more.

City Union Mission

Let’s create a training and development plan that meets your needs. 

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UMKC TalentLink

Manufacturing Skills Training That Works

UMKC TalentLink and WorkForge’s partnership provides high-quality manufacturing skills training for your workforce. Learn how our online manufacturing skills training can help your business.

Build an Employee Talent Pipeline

Learn how MedCerts and UMKC TalentLink can help fill your healthcare employee vacancies.

Featured Courses

UMKC TalentLink offers courses in Mastering Project Management PMP to prepare for certification

Mastering Project Management with PMP® Prep

Gain a deeper understanding of project management concepts and applications in the workplace, including how to select, plan, execute, control and complete projects.

Open Enrollment

News & Insights

Jonathan Jones is a a certified Gallup CliftonStrengths® Assessment coach for UMKC TalentLink.

CliftonStrengths Assessment Results Can Boost Job Engagement and Quality of Life 

Certified Gallup CliftonStrengths® Assessment coach Jonathan Jones discusses how the test can optimize strengths at work and in your personal life.

skills based hiring

Skills-based Hiring Levels the Playing Field

Skills-based hiring levels the playing field, highlighting what you can do based on your skills. Increase your value by developing job skills.

Terry Trafton

Manage Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion in Life and Work

Learn skills to manage burnout and emotional exhaustion from mental health and well-being expert Terry Trafton in his upcoming workshop.

Shannon Swift

The Big Ask of Leadership

How to make the “big ask” of leadership? Learn this valuable skill from leadership development expert Shannon Swift in her upcoming workshop.

UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts offer a certified training program to become a Mental Health Professional.

Mental Health Workers Needed to Meet Rising Demand

Our Mental Health Support Specialist and Professional certified training programs prepare you for an in-demand role in the mental healthcare field.

UMKC TalentLink Executive Director Jake Akehurst and WorkForge CEO Nathan Walts presented veteran Brenten Taylor with a certificate of completion at the recent Greater Kansas City Veterans Career Fair.

UMKC TalentLink and WorkForge Award Certificate to Veterans Community Project Recipient

UMKC TalentLink Executive Director Jake Akehurst and WorkForge CEO Nathan Walts presented veteran Brenten Taylor with a certificate of completion at the recent Greater Kansas City Veterans Career Fair.

Molly Weaver discusses skills-based hiring

Skills-based Hiring Makes Sense Now for Employers and Job Seekers 

Expert Molly Weaver discusses why skills-based hiring makes sense now as a strategy for talent acquisition and recruiting.

Warren Wandling leads Leawood Leadership program

Warren Wandling and UMKC TalentLink Provide Leadership Development for Leadership Leawood

UMKC TalentLink and expert facilitator Warren Wandling provide professional development for the Leawood Chamber’s Leadership Leawood program.

Molly Weaver discusses skills-based hiring

Update Your 2024 Career Plan By Upskilling Or Reskilling

Skills-first hiring is an ongoing trend, emphasizing job-relevant skills for candidates more than degrees and work experience. Here’s why.

Master Public Speaking course available through UMKC TalentLink

How To Develop and Master Public Speaking Skills

Learn how to develop and master the skills to become an effective and confident public speaker in this online course.

Skills-First Training and Hiring Gains Traction Heading Into 2024 

Skills-first hiring is an ongoing trend, emphasizing job-relevant skills for candidates more than degrees and work experience. Here’s why.

Happy Holidays!

Best wishes for a safe, peaceful, and relaxing holiday season from the UMKC TalentLink team!

The online Sterile Processing program prepares you to gain industry certification and for work at a healthcare employer.

Why Training As A Sterile Processing Technician Is Popular

The online Sterile Processing Technician training program prepares you to gain industry certification and for work at a healthcare employer.

This online training course will prepare you for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification exam. Start anytime. Register through UMKC TalentLink.

2024 Future of Hiring Trend Forecast

What are the key trends that will shape the future of hiring in 2024? How can job seekers prepare and adapt to these trends?

Three Key Insights From the Kansas Manufacturing Summit 

UMKC TalentLink Business Development Director Candice Haines shares three key insights from the 2023 Kansas Manufacturing Summit.

Healthcare and IT Training for MYCAA Military Spouses

Military spouses can use up to $4000 in MYCAA scholarship funds for healthcare and IT training through UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts.

Leadership Leawood Program Application Deadline

Leadership Leawood 2024 application deadline is November 10. Leawood Chamber offers the leadership program presented by UMKC TalentLink.

UMKC TalentLink and WorkForge offer skills training to help address the growing need among Kansas manufacturers for qualified workers.

Kansas Manufacturers Need Qualified Candidates to Fill Positions 

UMKC TalentLink and WorkForge offer skills training to help address the growing need among Kansas manufacturers for qualified workers.

Job Seekers Have Lost Some Leverage But They Can Strengthen Their Position 

Job seekers have lost the unprecedented leverage they had during the pandemic. Learning new skills prepares you to be market ready.

Case Study: Sharpening Durable Skills to Serve Others at City Union Mission

UMKC TalentLink provided training on durable skills customized for City Union Mission’s team of guest coordinators.

UMKC TalentLink and WorkForge announce a partnership that enables manufacturers to train employees in key skills and enhances capacity for manufacturing growth.

UMKC TalentLink and WorkForge Partner to Expand Manufacturing Training in Greater Kansas City

UMKC TalentLink and WorkForge announce a partnership that enables manufacturers to train employees in key skills and enhances capacity for manufacturing growth.

MedCerts dental assistant training program available through UMKC TalentLink

Become a Dental Assistant 

Completing the MedCerts online Dental Assistant training program available through UMKC TalentLink will prepare you to work in the dental field.

KC Digital Drive Jim Starcev

AI For Small Businesses: Insights From Jim Starcev, KC Digital Drive

KC Digital Drive Program Manager Jim Starcev shares how using AI for small businesses is important and can help them compete and grow.

Invest in Durable Skills To Build a Better Workforce with training from UMKC TalentLink

Invest in Durable Skills To Build a Better Workforce  

UMKC TalentLink’s Durable Skills certificate program addresses the ongoing need for durable skills development within businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations.  

Artificial intelligence advisor Doug Hohulin shared insights that can help businesses shape practices and policies to manage AI risk.

How to Manage AI Risk and Use Artificial Intelligence Responsibly 

Artificial intelligence advisor Doug Hohulin shared insights that can help businesses shape practices and policies to manage AI risk.

Grant writing is not only a learnable skill for beginners, but also a skill that can be developed for better results. UMKC TalentLink offers four courses to learn and improve grant writing skills.

How to Become a Better Grant Writer

Grant writing is not only a learnable skill for beginners, but also a skill that can be developed for better results. UMKC TalentLink offers four courses to learn and improve grant writing skills.

Takeaways from the AI & THE FUTURE OF WORK Symposium for Business Leaders.

Takeaways From AI and the Future of Work Symposium

UMKC TalentLink presents takeaways from Next CoLabs’ team of AI experts and industry speakers on the current state-of-play of AI in business.

Become A Pharmacy Technician Specialist

Completing the Pharmaceutical Technician Specialist training program available from UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts will prepare you to work in a pharmaceutical workplace.

Upskilling Benefits Both Healthcare Employees and Employers  

Upskilling is a way to invest in healthcare employees at the early stage of their professional path and retain high performers.  

AI Plus You blog post from UMKC TalentLInk

Meet Generative AI’s Sibling Predictive AI  

How businesses large and small use predictive AI to spot patterns and infer outcomes in finance, marketing, healthcare, and other industries.

surgical technologist

Become A Surgical Technologist

Completing the Surgical Technologist training program available from UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts will prepare you to work alongside the healthcare team throughout a surgical operation.

AI Plus You blog post from UMKC TalentLInk

Choose and Use Generative AI Tools Wisely

With plentiful options, how do you decide which AI tools best meet your needs? Lyndsay Noble and Chris Temple of Slalom offer their insights.

AI And You, UMKC TalentLink's artificial intelligence blog and newsletter

Protecting Data in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Data protection in the age of artificial intelligence is a complicated and evolving issue for businesses and workers.

MedCerts

Become A Certified Medical Assistant

Completing the Medical Assistant training program available from UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts will help you earn certification and prepare you for in-demand healthcare jobs.

AI And You, UMKC TalentLink's artificial intelligence blog and newsletter

Smart Business Strategies For Using Artificial Intelligence Chatbots

UMKC TalentLink shares smart strategies on how to use an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to benefit your business.

Completing the Phlebotomy Technician training program available from UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts will help you earn certification and prepare you for in-demand healthcare jobs as a phlebotomist.

Become A Phlebotomy Technician

Completing the Phlebotomy Technician training program available from UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts will help you earn certification and prepare you for in-demand healthcare jobs.

AI And You, UMKC TalentLink's artificial intelligence blog and newsletter

Four Takeaways From AI Tools for Entrepreneurs Workshop Presenter Doug Hohulin 

UMKC TalentLink shares four takeaways about artificial intelligence from the AI Tools For Entrepreneurs Workshop.

AI And You, UMKC TalentLink's artificial intelligence blog and newsletter

Make Artificial Intelligence Work For You 

UMKC TalentLink introduces AI + You, a new blog post series and newsletter covering artificial intelligence (AI) as a practical guide.

Annie Alexander of CiBR Solutions leads the course Improving Practice Management for UMKC TalentLink.

Improving Practice Management Sustainability Takes More Than Practice

Annie Alexander helps private medical practices learn how to improve practice management and be more sustainable and profitable.

Medical Coding and Billing Professional certification available from MedCerts and UMKC TalentLink.

Become A Medical Coding and Billing Professional

The Medical Coding and Billing Professional program available through UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts prepares graduates for in-demand jobs and careers.

Bridging Generations in the Workplace Conference sponsored by UMKC TalentLink and Roots & Rounds

Bridging Generations in the Workplace Conference Photo Gallery

A photo gallery from the Bridging Generations in the Workplace Conference hosted by UMKC TalentLink and Roots & Rounds.

Jeremy Gray durable skills training

Building Durable Skills Adds Value

UMKC TalentLink is thrilled to work with clients and provide training for individuals as part of our Durable Skills certificate program.

EAG Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Randolph, speaker at Bridging Generations in the Workplace Conference

Workplace Insights: Build Your Company Brand For Prospective Employees From Multiple Generations

Bridging Generations in the Workplace conference speaker Jeff Randolph from EAG Advertising discusses why brand-building is important to a company’s employees and culture.

Durable Skills In Demand

Durable Skills Needed Now

Durable skills are in demand. UMKC TalentLink offers training in durable skills and essential skills for first-time supervisors.

UMKC Business Communication professor Erin Blocher

Workplace Insights: Improve Multigenerational Workforce Communication

UMKC Business Communication professor Erin Blocher discusses how to improve multigenerational workforce communication at the Bridging Generations in the Workplace Conference.

Christel Gollnick leads a presentation at the Bridging Generations in the Workplace conference.

Workplace Insights: Navigating Intergenerational Workforce Differences 

Roots & Rounds founder Christel Gollnick discusses intergenerational differences at the Bridging Generations in the Workplace Conference.

Become an Allied Healthcare Professional with MedCerts training available through UMKC TalentLink.

Become An Allied Healthcare Professional

The Allied Healthcare Professional online program, available through UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts, prepares graduates for in-demand jobs and careers.

Panelists discussed Certifications for Digital Media at the 2023 KC Imagine Conference: Creating the Future of Digital Media in KC.

KC Imagine Panel Discusses Merits of Certification For Digital Media Careers  

Panelists discussed Certifications for Digital Media at the 2023 KC Imagine Conference: Creating the Future of Digital Media in KC.

UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts work with hospitals to address staffing shortages and build talent pipelines.

Building a Talent Pipeline to Address Hospital Staffing Shortages

UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts work with hospitals to build talent pipelines in response to staffing shortages.

University of Missouri-Kansas City TalentLink Partnership with MedCerts Brings Allied Healthcare Training to Students and a New Talent Pool to the Greater Kansas City Area

University of Missouri-Kansas City TalentLink (UMKC TalentLink) has partnered with MedCerts, an online certification training provider in allied healthcare and information technology, to offer MedCerts healthcare training programs to local talent.

Haley Prophet

Mindfulness Matters: Five Questions with Haley Prophet

Haley Prophet teaches Mastering Mindfulness Everyday. Adding mindfulness to your daily practice can empower you personally and professionally.

Independence Chamber of Commerce luncheon with Candice Haines of UMKC TalentLink

Independence Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Business development director Candice Haines represented UMKC TalentLink, host of the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s November luncheon.

UMKC TalentLink Community Launch

Photo Gallery From UMKC TalentLink’s Community Launch

A photo gallery from UMKC TalentLink’s Community Launch, featuring speaker Jennifer Schnack of T-Mobile discussing workforce training and talent development.

Jennifer Schnack of T-Mobile delivers remarks on workforce development at UMKC TalentLink's Community Launch.

War For Talent Drives Training Needs at T-Mobile And Other Companies

Jennifer Schnack, Vice President of Employee Talent, Development & Experience at T-Mobile emphasized the importance of talent development and training to optimize workforces at TalentLink’s Community Launch event.

How to Set the Table and Close the Deal Through Sales Enablement

Instructor and product marketing expert Seth Kakuske explains why the tools and process of sales enablement helps product salespeople improve success rates.

UMKC TalentLink announces partnership with South Kansas City Workforce Development Center

UMKC TalentLink Announces Partnership With South Kansas City Workforce Development Center

UMKC TalentLink and the South Kansas City Workforce Development Center agreed to partner recently to provide employee training programs. TalentLink will also host office hours each month at the WDC.

UMKC TalentLink

UMKC TalentLink Community Launch

UMKC TalentLink will host an event on October 21 to mark UMKC Engagement Month, highlight our professional development mission and programs, and to celebrate our official community launch.

Warren Wandling leads the course Essential Skills for First Time Supervisors.

Five Questions With Warren Wandling About Essential Skills for First Time Supervisors

Instructor Warren Wandling discusses some supervisory skills taught in his certificate program, Essential Skills for First Time Supervisors.

Tomayto, Tomahto, Certification, Certificate

Certification and certificate are often used interchangeably as forms of alternative credentials. However, they are distinct and represent two different pathways and outcomes to professional development and training. Let’s discuss the difference.

UMKC Business Communication professor Erin Blocher

Video: Erin Blocher Discusses Factors that Impact Effective Email and Digital Communication

Learn more UMKC business communication professor Erin Blocher’s course Effective Email and Digital Communication.

Jermaine Jamison leads a course on fostering inclusion in the workplace

Video: Jermaine Jamison Discusses Inclusion in the Workplace

Jermaine Jamison discusses several key points about the importance of inclusion in the workplace and other topics he explores in his workshop, Fostering an Inclusive Workplace Environment.

Krista Shelton

Charity Fraud: Five Questions With Forensic Accounting Expert Krista Shelton

Forensic accounting is a formidable tool to audit and verify the accuracy of financial records. Charity Fraud: A Look Inside the Federal Investigation of Former NBA Player Kermit Washington sheds light on how forensic accounting uncovered fraudulence.

UMKC Business Communication professor Erin Blocher

Six Questions With Erin Blocher: Effective Email and Digital Communication

Erin Blocher, an assistant professor of business communication at the UMKC Bloch School of Management answers questions about Effective Email and Digital Communication.

Jermaine Jamison leads a course on fostering inclusion in the workplace

Fostering Inclusion in the Workplace: Five Questions With Jermaine Jamison

Inclusion has become a more common term in business vernacular, but what does it actually mean to put it into practice? In our interview below, Jermaine Jamison offers insight into the question based on years of experience.

The Case for Credentials and Certificates

UMKC TalentLink provides several courses that include a certificate upon completion. A recent survey underscored how valuable and prevalent alternate credentials have become for U.S. employers and workers. We share some key findings below based on recent research.

Fifth Friday coffee in North Kansas City for the Northland Regional Chamber

Fifth Friday Coffee: Networking With Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce

UMKC TalentLink was pleased to sponsor the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Fifth Friday Coffee in April.

Data Visualization With R: Five Questions With Dr. Neal Wilson

Dr. Neal Wilson, who teaches Data Visualization With R, answers five questions about how he uses the programming language in his data analysis work.

Essential Financial Skills instructor Nathan Mauck

Essential Financial Skills: Five Questions With Dr. Nathan Mauck

Understanding accounting and finance terminology is an essential skill for leaders and managers throughout an organization. Taught by UMKC faculty Dr. Nathan Mauck and business leader William Kay, the Essential Financial Skills Certificate consists of four live instructor-led courses that demystify financial terminology.

Python instructor Dr Jin Yao

Dr. Jin Yao Uses Python and Data Analysis to Support Decisions Impacting Johnson County Government Resources

5 Questions With Dr. Jin Yao, a senior data analyst with the government of Johnson County, Kansas, who teaches Python Boot Camp.

Demand Remains Strong for Project Managers. Here’s How to Prepare For a Project Management Career.

UMKC TalentLink commissioned research on professional development and learning among large employers and executives in the Kansas City region. Findings indicated that project management and data analytics are two of the top priorities that people seek to develop career skills.

Dr. Alex Francisco leads data analysis courses for UMKC TalentLink

5 Questions With Dr. Alex Francisco, Instructor of Introduction to Data Analytics

Demand for data analysts isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Hiring of data analysts and operations analysts is projected to grow 25 percent through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Analysts play a vital role in banking, insurance, healthcare, and industries that rely on data to forecast growth and interpret trends.

Tuan Tran

Gaining Data Analytics Skills Helped Tuan Tran Earn Promotion

Work experience alone isn’t always enough to advance your career in a changing industry. Tuan Tran has worked in the property and casualty insurance industry for nearly twelve years. He knew he needed to acquire data analysis skills as part of his professional growth. Tran earned a promotion to a data analyst position on the operations team at his employer after completing several courses at UMKC.

Professional Development Improves Employee Retention. Here’s Why.

Companies continue to struggle with hiring and retaining quality employees during the Great Resignation. More than ever, retaining employees is critical for companies to maintain smooth operations, stay competitive, and plan for growth. UMKC TalentLink provides professional development that helps business invest in their people and retain employees. It’s a critical strategy for a challenging time.

UMKC TalentLink executive director Jake Akehurst at Greater KC Veterans Career Fair

In The Community – Greater Kansas City Veterans Career Fair

UMKC TalentLink and UMKC Student Veteran Support Services attended the Greater Kansas City Veterans Career Fair on February 4, 2022, at Union Station. We met with a wide range of veterans and service members from the region.

Dr. Alex Francisco leads data analysis courses for UMKC TalentLink

Dr. Alex Francisco Leads Introduction to Data Analytics

Real-world experience meets practical knowledge in the upcoming course Introduction to Data Analytics. Dr. Alex Francisco (PhD, University of Missouri Kansas City), senior population health scientist and statistician at the Kansas City Health Department, leads the non-degree course.

UMKC TalentLink

Visit UMKC TalentLink at Fifth Annual Greater Kansas City Veterans Career Fair

UMKC TalentLink is a proud co-sponsor of the 5th Annual Greater Kansas City Veterans Career Fair on Friday, February 4, 1-4 pm, located at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd.