Development and training
There are many development and training opportunities within GSA that are available to TTS employees.
Supervisors are responsible for guiding their employees to developmental opportunities while individuals are responsible for taking the initiative to support their own development. There are resources for supervisors and for employees that provide tips for how to recognize and seek ongoing growth opportunities.
In the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM), GSA's Talent Development Division offers a number of different training, developmental, and coaching options. Here are training benefits available to all GSA employees.
Free training and development opportunities
Online University (OLU) trainings
The Online University (OLU) isn't just for mandatory trainings. It also offers over 2,000 personal development courses including: project management, coaching skills, finance, giving feedback, professional effectiveness and makes available a large selection of online books covering a wide range of subjects.
TTS also maintains a curated list of free courses on OLU that are open to all TTS employees on a first-come, first-served basis. This list is updated weekly, and most of these trainings are virtual to make it accessible to everyone. If you need help or have OLU questions, contact GSAOLUSupport@mail.eskillz.com.
Guilds, Communities of practice, and working groups
TTS has a collection of communities to help develop best practices, provide training, explore new ideas, and help solve thorny issues. Most meet regularly and hold discussion related to a central theme.
Supervisor training
GSA InSite has compiled a list of supervisor trainings which offers helpful information and resources for new supervisors including links to the mandatory trainings.
Coaching
GSA provides multiple, free coaching services for internal staff. Located throughout the agency, coaches in the federal coaching network have various roles and complete coaching work in addition to their main assignments. Employees who are at the GS-14 or above have the option of obtaining coaching services through the Treasury Executive Institute.
To learn more about the GSA coaching program offerings and how to get connected with a coach, visit the GSA coaching services page.
Mentoring
GSA has a mentoring program that facilitates small group discussions on a number of topics. For an overview of the different types of current and upcoming programs offered, visit the mentoring program page on InSite. There is also a mentoring resource library that includes some helpful mentorship guides, assessments, templates, and more.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, there is a list of external organizations who are seeking mentors.
Leadership development
Treasury Executive Institute (TEI) training
GSA has a partnership with the Department of Treasury's Executive Institute (TEI) which offers employees at the GS-14, 15, and SES grade levels access to the TEI training programs both online and in the classroom to help develop and grow managerial skills. Questions? Contact TEIInquiries@gsa.gov.
Skillsoft Leadership Development Program (SLDP)
The goal of the Skillsoft Leadership Development Program is to develop a new generation of GSA leaders by providing virtual training sessions that align with the GSA Leadership Development Framework. The training is self-paced, allowing you to learn within your own schedule. You can enroll in these trainings by going into OLU, scrolling down to the SLDP section and clicking on the training titles. Questions? Contact Joshua.Dillon@gsa.gov.
Competitive Development Program (CDP)
The Competitive Development Program is for current and future leaders and requires approval from your first and second-level supervisors. This program provides leadership development opportunities via recognized external programs that focus on leadership competencies. If you'd like to learn more, check out the application process and the list of available programs. Questions? Contact: cdp@gsa.gov.
Other growth opportunities
Group trainings
GSA also procures trainings via blanket purchase agreement (BPA). These courses do require payment and a signed agreement. To learn more about this service and who to contact with questions, contact the GSA Training Acquisition Branch.
Virtual Lunch & Learn Series
The Virtual Lunch & Learn Series is a monthly, one-hour virtual session open to GSA employees and is focused on work-life balance. Some of the topics include: gender equality, cross-culture communication, yoga at your workstation and more.
GSA Opportunity Network
GSA Opportunity Network is a developmental program offering a variety of temporary opportunities to GSA's workforce. This includes part-time projects, full-time details, job shadowing, and temporary promotion opportunities in various parts of the agency that can provide you with the chance to stretch your skills and expand your network. Questions? Contact Wendy.Cobb@gsa.gov.
More resources
- Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) Talent Development Catalog of Offerings & Services
- Join the GSA Training & Development Chatter group to stay up-to-date on all the training and development opportunities
- Training & Development InSite page
