Workforce Development and Community Education

Our Mobile Training Centers are designed to cater to the needs of both existing employees of private firms and post-high school residents in the Chicago region. By bringing education directly to these individuals, we aim to bridge the skills gap and empower the workforce with the necessary expertise. To learn more about our mobile training initiatives and the specific programs we offer, please click the link below. We are excited to collaborate with local businesses and residents to enhance the region's workforce and contribute to its economic growth.

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PSC is a Continuing Education Sponsor through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). We offer continuing education units for various professions, including social workers, licensed professional counselors, advanced practical nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing home administrators. The College is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to provide Professional Development (PD) for teachers, and a recognized provider of SHRM professional development credits for human resources practitioners.

Our Workforce Development and Community Education Department is dedicated to lifelong learning and provides targeted training for a wide range of industries, such as business, healthcare, manufacturing/trades, and non-profit organizations. Our training programs are tailored to meet your specific needs.

Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are striving to adapt and ensure productivity, essential staffing, and a skilled workforce. The WDCE team has effectively partnered with numerous organizations, providing training and business solutions to foster sustainability and efficiency. Among them are:

• Advocate Aurora Health Care
• Crisis Center of South Suburbia
• Federal Signal
• Gelita, Inc.
• Legacy Healthcare
• Nortrak
• Tower International
• UAW/Ford Motor Company
• Unity Hospice
• Village of Matteson

Registration is open to all without any admission or academic prerequisites. For detailed course descriptions and a list of non-credit classes, please visit the Personal and Professional Courses section. Please note that the duration of the courses may not always be consecutive weeks, as it depends on school holidays and special events at the host location. New courses are added throughout the semester. For more information, please call (708) 709-2957 or email us at wdce@prairiestate.edu.

You can easily search and register for Personal and Professional Development (PPD) (non-credit) courses through WebAdvisor. Just click on the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) link on the main WebAdvisor page to search for courses based on keywords, topics, locations, and other criteria. You can also leave all fields blank to see the complete list of available non-credit courses.

There are multiple ways to register for PPD courses; however, fees must be paid at the time of registration regardless of registration method.

1. Register online through WebAdvisor by using the following instructions: 
2. If you have a WebAdvisor username and password, please log in before registering.
3. If you are a new student, you will need to fill out the Personal Identification screen to create an account. Your username and password will be e-mailed to you upon registration.
4. Register in person at the Registration Office on the Main Campus on weekdays.
5. Register by phone by calling (708) 709-7701. Please have your credit or debit card information ready.
6. Register by mail by first printing and completing the registration form. Send payment with completed registration form to Prairie State College, Office of Admissions, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411. Checks should be made payable to Prairie State College. Driver's license number and phone number must be included on check. 

If you have questions or are having trouble navigating through the process, please call (708) 709-2957 for assistance.

Withdrawal
To officially withdraw from a Personal and Professional Development (PPD) (non-credit) class, please complete the Add/Drop form. You can do this by visiting the Enrollment Services Office at our main campus during business hours. Alternatively, for certain courses, you may withdraw via WebAdvisor up to 48 hours before the course start date. Please note that no refunds will be issued unless requested at least 48 hours before the first class meeting (excluding weekends and holidays).

Refund Processing
Refunds are typically issued by check within 7-10 business days. Cash refunds are not available. If you request a refund for credit card payments, we can credit the amount back to your card. Please remember to bring the card with you when making your refund request.

Prairie State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age, gender, disability, ancestry, marital status, military discharge status, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors in educational programs, activities or employment practices. The College is prohibited by law from discriminating in such a manner. Inquiries may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer, Prairie State College.

In compliance with Illinois Public Act 86-1363, the Board of Trustees supports a Waste Reduction Program for Prairie State College, which shall include source reduction, recycling and the purchasing of products with recycled content. Faculty, staff, and students of the College shall be expected to comply with this program.