GEAPS, K-State Expand Continuing Education Options
GEAPS, K-State Expand Continuing Education Options
The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (K-State) will launch a Grain Elevator Managers Course (GEM) next May. The course is an evolution of the existing Grain Elevator Managers course that the K-State IGP Institute has historically offered. It is being developed and produced jointly with GEAPS and K-State to expand their combined portfolio of professional development programs.
“The Kansas State grain science faculty have enjoyed a great working relationship with GEAPS for more than 10 years and this is a logical progression of that professional partnership,” says Gordon Smith, director of the IGP Institute and head of the Department of Grain Science and Industry.
Robert Taylor, GEAPS International President, Cargill, noted that it is another new experiential learning opportunity that leverages the experience of GEAPS members and the academic expertise of K-State.
“We are constantly monitoring the needs of the grain handling and processing operations industry, and looking for ways to deliver on our promise as the knowledge resource,” Taylor said. “We have had very positive feedback on our existing portfolio with K-State, and we look forward to delivering an outstanding course for new and future elevator managers.”
The four-day course focuses on best practices for grain handling facility operations and grain quality management. It also explains the science behind the processes.
It provides new managers the information they need to correctly interpret the experiences they will have managing grain quality, and the insight they will need to evaluate and optimize established operations practices including:
- Operations Safety and Workforce Management
- Grain Handling Systems Design and Equipment Maintenance
- Grain Quality Characteristics and Supply Chain Value Considerations
- Drying and Aeration Optimization
- Stored Grain Pest Management
- Temporary Storage Options and Management
The course will take place at the K-State IGP Institute Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas. The registration fee for the joint course will be $1,000, the same as the currently-offered course, but discounted to $670 for GEAPS members. Registration for the GEAPS-KSU Grain Elevator Managers course will open early next year.
About GEAPS/K-State Continuing Education Programs and Credentialing
Distance Learning
GEAPS and K-State offer an award-winning distance education program of 26 courses and the grain handling industry’s only operations management credentialing program.
Experiential Learning
In addition to the Grain Elevator Managers Course, GEAPS and K-State added experiential learning to the portfolio last year with the debut of the Hands-On Training (HOT) Program. The three-day course emphasizes learning by doing where participants are taught how to safely operate, maintain and repair common conveying equipment through demonstrations, practice and immediate feedback. The next HOT course is Dec. 11-13, 2018 at the K-State IGP Institute Conference Center.
Credentialing
Participants in GEAPS and K-State continuing education programs are able to advance their careers by earning operations management credentials to include a Credential in Grain Operations Management (CGOM) or a Credential in Grain Processing Management (CGPM). Achieving credentials improves job skills and demonstrates commitment to continual learning.
About GEAPS
The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS)GEAPS is an international professional association that supports its members and the industry by serving as The Knowledge Resource for the world of grain handling and processing industry operations. GEAPS addresses the industry’s critical grain handling, storage and processing operations needs by providing the finest networking, professional development programs, and access to a global marketplace of equipment, services and technology solutions providers. GEAPS’ global network of industry professionals includes more than 2,800 individual members from about 1,150 companies.
About K-State IGP
The Grain Elevator Managers course and the HOT Program are two examples of the joint training offered with the IGP Institute in its feed manufacturing and grain quality management curriculum. In addition, the IGP Institute offers courses relating to grain marketing and risk management, and grain processing and flour milling. To learn more about IGP Institute trainings, please visit the website at www.grains.ksu.edu/igp.
