Developing Cooperative Leaders at Every Level
With more than 2,000 participants attending Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association education programs each year, Wisconsin's electric cooperatives demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous learning, leadership development, and professional growth.
WECA provides a comprehensive range of educational opportunities for employees, directors, and emerging cooperative leaders. From governance and strategic leadership training for directors to professional development and industry-specific education for employees, our programs are designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity that support cooperative success.
Investing in the Future
Education is one of the cooperative principles and a cornerstone of the cooperative business model. Through high-quality training and professional development opportunities, WECA helps build the knowledgeable workforce, effective governance, and strong leadership needed to serve cooperative members today and in the future.
RESOURCES
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2027 Education & Training Opportunities
Benefits of Statewide Training
Director Education & Governance Training
Strong governance is essential to a successful cooperative. WECA offers a variety of educational opportunities that help directors strengthen their leadership abilities, fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities, and stay informed about the issues impacting today's electric cooperatives.
Through nationally recognized credentialing programs, in-person training events, conferences, and webinars, directors have access to ongoing education that supports effective decision-making and board leadership.
Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD)
The Credentialed Cooperative Director program provides directors with a solid foundation in electric cooperative governance, board operations, financial oversight, strategic planning, and the unique business model of member-owned cooperatives.
Board Leadership Certificate (BLC)
The Board Leadership Certificate program builds upon the CCD curriculum and offers advanced training focused on governance excellence, strategic leadership, risk management, and industry issues that impact electric cooperatives.
Through these programs, directors gain the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively serve their members and guide their cooperatives into the future.
Employee Education & Professional Development
WECA offers a wide variety of educational opportunities designed to help cooperative employees develop professionally, strengthen workplace skills, and stay current on industry trends and emerging challenges.
Industry & Technical Training
WECA delivers educational programs that help cooperative employees stay current on operational, regulatory, safety, and emerging industry topics. These programs provide practical knowledge and insights that enhance job performance and support the reliable delivery of electric service.
Professional Skills Development
Employees also have access to training opportunities that strengthen essential workplace competencies, including:
- Finance and accounting fundamentals
- Communication and presentation skills
- Customer service and member relations
- Human resources and supervision
- Computer and technology skills
- Safety and risk awareness
- Cooperative business knowledge
- Leadership and professional development
These educational opportunities help employees grow their expertise, advance their careers, and contribute to the long-term success of Wisconsin's electric cooperatives.
ECLIPSE (Electric Cooperative Leaders) is WECA's premier leadership development program designed to help participants become well-rounded cooperative professionals and future leaders.
Through a combination of core courses, elective training opportunities, and online learning, participants build leadership, communication, business, and interpersonal skills that support both individual career growth and organizational success. Graduates are recognized during WECA's Annual Meeting for their dedication to professional development and commitment to leadership excellence.