Higher education, like every other sector in the state, has had to evolve during the Covid-19 pandemic. For those that have been able to do so quickly, however, it’s opened up new opportunities.
In the continuing education and training landscape, that has meant providing affordable, accessible options that benefit not only educators and students but employers nationwide.
NH Business Review reached out to Heather LaDue, Executive director for Professional Programs and Partnerships at Franklin Pierce University (franklinpierce.edu), to learn more about how the university was able to provide new opportunities for students and lifelong learners.
Has the pandemic limited business education or business training opportunities?
LaDue: “The pandemic has limited access to discuss the business and training opportunities, but it has not limited the delivery of the programs. Franklin Pierce University has offered online courses and degree programs for two decades, and for many people, right now is a perfect time to gain new competencies and skills. Some individuals have more time to embark on a new learning journey since they are not commuting. While other individuals who might have been intimidated with taking classes online have now found themselves on a computer and video meetings on a daily basis, so they are comfortable putting their toe in the water to take online classes now.”
How are you handling in-person/ hands-on training?
LaDue: “Being a smaller university allows us to be nimble and adapt to meet our individual and employer partner needs. Some custom certification classes that were built to be hybrid were moved to 100% remote learning via video meetings and other forms of technology. We make sure that the class is still engaging for the learners, and it allows the participants to feel at ease during this difficult time. We are available and do conduct in-person classes face to face at a client worksite if that is preferred. Providing the space meets social distancing guidelines to keep everyone safe and comfortable.”
How has the pandemic highlighted opportunities for your program’s participants or shown a need in the marketplace?
LaDue: “Franklin Pierce is committed to accommodating the schedule constraints of working adults who want to learn a new skill fast and affordably. We provide microlearning to get adult students ‘retooled’ quickly and partner with employers across the country to provide discount tuition for our online programs and customized learning to meet the employer’s needs.
“We become an extension of their HR team and a vehicle to provide a valueadded benefit to help employers recruit, retain and retool their workforce. The pandemic has forced some individuals and employers to rebuild themselves in this ‘new economy.’ This has highlighted new skills that need to be learned and earned. For others it has become a calling to the healthcare field. During the pandemic, we’re seeing a definite increase in interest in our already popular healthcare programs, including our new Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), an accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field and want to pursue nursing as a second career. This program is a fast track, allowing students to earn both their Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing in just 18 months. Our MEPN program reflects some of the many ways we’re working to offer courses that reflect not only the needs we see in the marketplace long term but also the current environment. We are also actively working with numerous employers to offer certificate and badge programs that address their unique needs, and that provide their employees with the skills required to excel in an increasingly competitive environment. This demand also extends to our Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Manchester and our Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in Lebanon.”
What is the benefit of continuing education?
LaDue: “The pandemic has prompted many people to reassess their priorities and to look for fields that are in great demand. For some, this may be earning an advanced degree or certification and for others, this may be a time to embark on a completely new career path. Continuing education helps individuals learn the right skills to meet workforce and consumer demands.
“In a competitive job market, individuals with sought-after certifications and post-secondary degrees put themselves above the competition. The benefit of continuing education helps businesses stay competitive in the marketplace. Consumer demands are ever-changing and some businesses find themselves with a ‘skills gap’ in their workforce. Employers want to retain good employees. ‘Retooling’ their current workforce is a path to not only retain their qualified and dedicated employees, but also help the employer stand out among competitors. Benefits are an important part of a salary package, and providing access to ‘real-time’ education at a reduced cost is a selling point in the hiring process. Additionally, some employers tell us they are building their succession plan and this offers an opportunity to take excellent employees and augment their leadership skills they will need to fill in those upper level roles.”
How is Franklin Pierce working with students and employers during this time?
LaDue: “Franklin Pierce is offering a 40% discount on our online classes to anyone who is currently receiving unemployment benefits here in New Hampshire. It’s one of the ways we are trying to help during a very difficult time for many in the Granite State.
“If employers are interested in partnering with FPU as a way to add a no-cost, value-added benefit to their benefits package or discuss microlearning opportunities, they can contact Heather LaDue ladueh@franklinpierce.edu or https://www.franklinpierce.edu/academics/partnership/index.htm”
‘The pandemic has prompted many people to reassess their priorities and to look for fields that are in great demand.’
