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GARDNER — Thirty employees from All One Credit Union in Leominster and GFA Credit Union in Gardner recently completed Mount Wachusett Community College’s (MWCC) 75-hour First Line Supervisor training program, strengthening leadership capacity across the region’s financial services workforce.

Designed for newly promoted supervisors, the intensive program equips participants with practical skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, project management, and team leadership — critical competencies for navigating today’s fast-paced workplace.

Since its launch in 2019, MWCC’s First Line Supervisor program has become a cornerstone of workforce development in North Central Massachusetts, helping organizations build strong internal leadership pipelines while improving employee retention and performance.

Both credit unions partnered with MWCC to secure funding through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Workforce Training Fund Program, enabling them to invest in employee development with minimal financial burden.

“With a strong emphasis on leadership, communication, and team building, the program empowered participants to build confidence, elevate their management skills, and continue to step forward as more effective leaders,” said Ellen Coughlin, SVP Human Resources and Development, All One Credit Union.

The program reflects a broader commitment among local employers to develop talent from within and prepare the next generation of leaders in the region.

“As we continue to develop leaders at every level of the organization, we create a culture that is more connected, supportive, and aligned in serving our members and communities in meaningful ways,” said Mark Hettinger, CEO, GFA Federal Credit Union.

Participants also highlighted the immediate value of the training in their day-to-day roles.

“Over the 12 weeks, it gave me real, practical leadership tools that I didn’t just learn—I actually use them every single day,” said Kate Greene, Member Relationship Assistant Manager, All One Credit Union. “Since finishing the course, I’ve had two promotions, and I truly feel the confidence, mindset, and skills I have built there played a big part in that growth. It’s been empowering in the best way, and it’s made me a stronger, more intentional leader for my team!”

Applications for the open enrollment class starting Sept. 11 are now being accepted at mwcc.edu/first-line-supervisor. Additionally, interested companies can have a dedicated class delivered to their staff. Contact Kristine Asselin, Senior Manager of Corporate Training at MWCC, with questions at [email protected].

-Mount Wachusett Community College 

Original article