Learn Local at Portage Campus!

Take personal and professional development courses at Madison College’s Portage campus. See what classes we’re offering and register today!

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In-Person Professional Development Classes

Start your Lean Six Sigma journey by learning how to improve processes and reduce waste. In Part 1, you'll explore the core principles of Lean and Six Sigma, and how they work together. You’ll begin by learning to select projects while also using tools like SIPOC and Histograms to identify inefficiencies and set improvement goals. This course is perfect if you’re part of a project team or pursuing leadership in continuous improvement.
#67135, Portage Campus, 1/22-3/12, Thursday, 8 AM-12 PM Instructor: Jason Hunn
Build on your LSS foundation by applying practical tools to real-world problems. In Part 2, you'll dive into 5S, PDCA, and root cause analysis using techniques like the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagrams. Through hands-on activities, group exercises, and case studies, you'll gain the skills to implement lasting improvements and boost quality and performance in your workplace.
#67136, Portage Campus, 3/26-4/16, Thursday, 8 AM-12 PM Instructor: Jason Hunn
Are you ready to find new solutions to challenges and opportunities at work and in life? In this hands-on course, you’ll learn to focus on what matters most, feel more satisfied with your daily accomplishments, and live each day with greater purpose and balance. Based on the proven principles from Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, you’ll discover practical strategies to take initiative, manage key priorities, improve communication, and collaborate more effectively with others. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the tools to achieve meaningful, lasting results—both personally and professionally.
#67290, Portage Campus, 3/10 and 3/11, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 AM-4 PM Instructor: Steve Klubertanz
Heartsaver CPR AED is geared for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.
Future offerings will be posted here
This course empowers both corporate and education professionals to confidently communicate in public settings beyond their classrooms and workplaces. Whether presenting at board meetings, conferences, or community events, participants will develop practical skills to speak with clarity, authenticity, and impact.

Through interactive workshops and real-world scenarios, participants will learn techniques for structuring compelling messages, managing stage presence, handling Q&A sessions, and adapting their communication for diverse audiences. The course also offers tools for managing nerves and using storytelling to connect.

By the end of this course, participants will feel equipped to advocate, inform, and inspire with professionalism and poise in various public settings.
Future offerings will be posted here
Advance your electrical skills beyond the basics with hands-on training in industrial and commercial systems. You’ll master test equipment, analyze transformers, identify and work with motors, and design motor control circuits. Learn to apply structured troubleshooting methods while reinforcing safety protocols. Gain the knowledge and confidence to diagnose, maintain, and improve complex electrical systems.
Future offerings will be posted here
This American Heart Association course provides essential training for individuals with limited or no medical background. Participants will learn Adult and Child CPR, AED use, Infant CPR, and choking relief techniques for all ages. The course also covers first aid fundamentals for the most common emergencies—teaching participants how to recognize critical situations, call for assistance, and perform effective lifesaving interventions. Ideal for workplace safety, community preparedness, and personal confidence in emergency response.
Future offerings will be posted here

Online and Online Live Professional Development Classes

Take your leadership and communication skills to the next level — one lunch break at a time! Join our TLC Virtual Lunch and Learn Series, where each one-hour session explores a key leadership, teamwork, or communication topic. Each session stands alone — pick the ones that fit your interests and schedule!

Featured TLC Topics:
Leaders Building Trust (12/5)
The Art of Active Listening (12/12)
Crucial Conversations: Communicating Clearly When It Matters Most (2/6)
Active Listening for Stronger Communication (2/13)
Strengthening Resilience: Personal & Relational Skills (2/20)
Preventing Burnout: Tools for Leaders & Teams (2/27)
Emotional Intelligence: Skills for Stronger Leadership (3/6)
Coaching Conversations that Develop People (3/20)
Navigating Difficult Interactions (3/27)
Giving and Receiving Feedback with Confidence (4/3)
Psychological Safety: Creating Teams Where People Can Speak Up (4/10)
The Foundations of Trust in Leadership (4/17)
Working Across Generations: Strengthening Collaboration & Communication (4/24)
Leading Through Change (5/1)

Why Attend?
Practical tools you can apply immediately
Skills to strengthen your leadership and communication
Build trust, resilience, and emotional intelligence
Flexible, one-hour format designed for busy professionals
Online Live, ongoing through 5/1/26, Friday, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Instructor: Mary Bjorklund
Step into a safer, more respectful workplace with this essential course on bullying and harassment. Discover the key differences between these behaviors, the legal protections available, and the roles and responsibilities every employee and leader holds in preventing a hostile work environment. Gain practical steps you can take if harassment happens to you, and learn how to be a proactive ally in creating a healthy, positive workplace.
Online, self-paced
Ready to take your hiring process to the next level? This course will guide you through every step of conducting outstanding job interviews, from thorough preparation to impactful follow-up. You’ll learn how to design insightful interview questions, set a welcoming tone, and ensure a fair, positive experience for every candidate. Gain the tools to identify top talent while building a strong reputation as an employer of choice.
Online, Self-Paced

Enrichment Classes

Learn to build the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive in any emergency situation. Participants will learn practical survival techniques. Beyond the basics, this course emphasizes leadership, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork — the six core “commands” of survival success. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to be ready for anything, this class will challenge you to think, adapt, and survive.

Students will need to provide: data storage of choice, a 3 ring binder and looseleaf paper, and a laptop is encouraged.
#67293, Portage Campus, 4/14-5/5, Tuesday, 5-8 PM
Expand your crochet techniques! In this class you will be using fabric strips to create a crochet trivet or the start of a rug, which can be used under a plant or a hot plate. This is an advanced beginner class. Participants must know how to crochet the following stitches: chain stitch, slip stitch, and single crochet. Please bring a hook size J or bigger...up to an N and one yard of fabric to class.
Future offerings will be posted here
The instructor will teach the handlers how to train their dog for a lifelong commitment to basic manners and obedience. The dog will be taught to relinquish an object, enter/exit commands, the off command and how to retrieve. The dog will learn basic manners and obedience commands. Information will be given on dog laws grooming, dog proofing your home, just to name a few. The dog handler must be a minimum of 12 yrs. of age. The dog must have the required vaccinations including bordetella (kennel cough) and written proof must be provided at the first class. The dog should be over 12 months old. This class is held outside and individual class sessions may be rescheduled due to weather.
Future offerings will be posted here
The class will learn the secrets of successful puppy training. The puppies will be taught to relinquish an object, enter/exit commands, the off command and how to retrieve. The puppy will learn basic manners and obedience commands. Information will be given on dog laws grooming, puppy proofing your home, just to name a few. The dog handler must be a minimum of 12 yrs. of age. The puppy must have the required vaccinations including bordetella (kennel cough) and written proof must be provided at the first class. The puppy should be 3 months – 12 months old. This class is held outside and individual class sessions may be rescheduled due to weather.
Future offerings will be posted here
Unleash your dog’s potential through MATC agility class!!! The dog and handler will be taught agility through positive motivational training methods. The dog will develop confidence and trust in the handler through proper introduction and socialization to agility obstacles. The bond between handler and dog will be slowly developed through step by step instruction on agility obstacles and tunnels. The agility class will be fun and have lots of playtime. Sportsmanship is a priority. The dog must demonstrate its willingness to work as a team with the handler for praise and reward!!! All dog will be on leash at all times. Safety will be taught for dog and handler on agility obstacles and tunnels correctly. The proper technique for running an agility course will be taught by the instructor.
Future offerings will be posted here
The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. Meditation has many powerful benefits - but how exactly do you do it? Not to worry, this class will explore some of the techniques that you can use to make your meditations effective and enjoyable. Through explanations and guided meditations, you will quickly learn the basics. This class does not involve physical exercise, and is perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their practice.
Future offerings will be posted here

Register Now!

Four Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses at Portage

1. Register by Phone
2. In-person
  • Stop in at the Portage campus. We’re happy to help you!
3. Express Registration
4. Log into MyMadisonCollege
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