Supervisor Training Program
Build Strong Supervisors. Strengthen Your Workforce.
The Master Supervisor Training Program provides practical training in the core principles of supervision and effective leadership. Participants learn essential communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills through interactive sessions, peer discussion, and real-life scenarios.
Courses are offered Winter, Spring, and Fall, giving employers maximum flexibility to train supervisors when it works best for them.
Complete all required courses to earn the full Manufacturers’ Association Supervisor Certification, a recognized accomplishment for anyone in a supervisory or leadership role.
How to Earn the Supervisor Certification
To earn the full certification, participants must complete:
- Level 1: Basic Supervisor Certificate
- Level 2: Advanced Supervisor Certificate
- Level 3: Team Leader Certificate
- Level 4: Problem Solving Certificate
- Two elective courses
Training can be completed at our Center of Excellence for Apprenticeship (York), Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (Lancaster), and Training or delivered on-site at your company.
Core Certification Course Descriptions
Level 1: Fundamentals of Supervision
Striving for Peak PERFORMance
New and experienced supervisors learn how to communicate clearly, build trust, and create a workplace where employees feel respected and motivated. This 14-hour course introduces the PERFORM Model, covering the seven leadership tools that drive employee engagement and results:
Purpose, Expectations, Relationships, Feedback, Orientation, Recognition, and Morale
Topics include:
- The “Results Ladder”
- The roles and responsibilities of a supervisor
- Leading with purpose
- Setting and communicating expectations
- Delegation
- Building trust with DiSC
- Providing reinforcing and corrective feedback
- Orientation, coaching, and training
- Recognition and conflict resolution
- Motivation and morale
Program Details: 4 half-day sessions
Level 2: Advanced Supervisor
Exploring Your Leadership Potential
This 14-hour course builds on Level 1 and helps supervisors deepen their leadership skills through practical application and advanced concepts.
Topics include:
- Leadership skills assessment
- Emotional Intelligence
- Goal setting and time management
- Workplace civility
- Adapting communication using DiSC
- Feedback practice and coaching skills
- The GROW Coaching Model
- Performance recognition
- Win/win conflict resolution
- Motivation theories and practical application
Program Details: 4 half-day sessions
Level 3: Team Leader
Reaching Your Leadership Peak
Supervisors explore how to build high-performing teams using the PERFORM model and proven team development principles. Case studies help participants apply concepts to real workplace scenarios.
Topics include:
- Types of teams and their value
- The four stages of team development
- The six “team success factors”
- The five “dysfunctions” of a team
- Effective roles of team leaders and team members
- Using DiSC for strong team collaboration
- “Managing up” for better communication and alignment
Requirements: Completion of Level 1 is required. Level 2 may be taken at any time.
Program Details: 2 half-day sessions
Level 4: Problem Solving
Thinking “Outside the Box”
This 7-hour course helps supervisors develop creative solutions and make effective decisions in fast-paced work environments. Training includes three focused sessions: Critical Thinking, Creative Problem Solving, and Decision Making.
Topics include:
- Divergent vs. convergent thinking
- Critical thinking mindset and strategies
- Six-Step Problem Solving Model
- Efficient decision-making techniques
Requirements: Levels 3 and 4 are required to complete the full certification.
Program Details: 2 half-day sessions
Ready to Level Up Your Team?
If you are interested in learning more about this program, you can contact us directly.