Yellowknife (Jun 21/06) - Leaders are constantly challenging themselves to learn new skills.

Beginning in September, Northern leaders in the public and private sector will be challenged by some of the top professors from around the globe.

The Northern Leadership Centre, a subsidiary of the Nunasi Corporation, will be presenting the three-week Executive Development Program on Leadership in Yellowknife.

Professors from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and the Queen's School of Business will teach the joint certificate program said John Simpson, general manager with the Northern Leadership Centre.

"We wanted the best programs in the world," said Simpson referring to the partnership with the two world-renowned business schools.

Northerners can take courses in the south said Simpson, but this program has been developed to suit the unique needs of leaders in the North.

"There's more value if delivered in the North," he said.

The price tag for the course is not small at $20,000 per student, said Simpson.

"We could have gone with a lesser program, but if we're going to do this we'll do it with the very best," he said.

Some 15 professors from the two schools will teach separate courses in two- to three-day blocks.

The program will run for two weeks beginning Sept. 17.

A third week will go in mid-November.

Courses included in the program will range from human resource management to ethics.

All of the classes will be tailored to Northern situations and circumstances, said Simpson.

A number of unique challenges exist for leaders in the North said Ali Simpson, training co-ordinator with the Centre.

"In the North, it can be a challenge to find employees, develop people and retain people," she said.

Human resource management is an important skill for leaders and it's an excellent part of the program she added.

"We hope connections are made during the program and will spill over into work," said Simpson, adding he hopes to see participants from around Nunavut and the NWT.