Public Works Institutes are a chapter-based certificate program focused on supervision and management practices within all areas of Public Works.

There are 18 nationally approved APWA Public Works Institutes:

If there is not an Institute in your area, you are welcome to participate in another institute. It might be a good time to talk to your chapter or branch leaders about operating an Institute in your area. More information can be found here.

What Topics are Covered?

Each Institute adheres to the set of core areas of study noted below. Specific topics under these 11 core areas may vary based on local, regional, and state responsibilities or regulations:

  • Supervisory Techniques & Skills
  • Basic Management Skills
  • Communications Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Community Service/Customer Orientation Skills
  • Impact of Law on Public Works
  • Fundamentals of Government
  • Finance
  • Overview of Public Works Operations
  • Creating the Future
  • Resource Management Skills

Who Should Attend?

The Institute content is designed to address the supervisory and management needs of current first-line supervisors and up, and those individuals aspiring to be better leaders and supervisors.