Air Force launches enhanced professional development site

Sspecial From
Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development

2/11/2014 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala.  -- The Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development recently made available a new tool to assist civilians with their professional development.

The Civilian Development Resource Center is an online clearinghouse providing access to development roadmaps and learning programs and thousands of no-cost courses, books, videos, job aids, simulations, articles and much more.

Formerly known as the Supervisor Resource Center, the site offers easier navigation and a broader array of resources that support professional development for non-supervisory and supervisory career tracks.

The Eaker Center's Future Learning and Civilian Education Division designed the CDRC site to help users quickly target customizable learning programs that focus on their individual development needs. Additionally, students can access courses required for some professional certifications. These assets can be accessed anytime and anywhere, thus providing flexibility and protecting Airmen's valuable time.

"The civilian workforce is one of the Air Force's greatest assets," said Russell Frasz, director, directorate of Airman Force Development. "Continuously developing oneself is a personal responsibility for all Airmen. The Civilian Development Resource Center plays a key role in maintaining Air Force's innovative and competitive edge by assisting personnel to develop their professional competencies in an efficient and cost-conscious manner."

The site incorporates flexible learning programs that can be tailored to each individual's development pathway and includes building blocks that are typical of a civilian's career, such as "New Employee," "Developing to Journeyman Employee," "Experienced Employee," "New Supervisor" and "Experienced Supervisor."

To help users focus on the most beneficial areas for development, an assessment tool is available on the site that provides feedback and identifies the skills development needed to improve performance. In addition to the career tracks listed above, topical learning programs are also available and are aligned with the Air Force institutional competencies. A monthly newsletter highlights selected courses, books and learning tips spotlighting various learning programs focused on competency.

The CDRC is a self-paced development tool available on demand to meet the needs of current and future Air Force leaders. It is accessible via the Air Force Portal main page under the Career and Training tab.