MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) are offering six online training courses in August to help those in the grain industry build skill sets and expertise.

The GEAPS 500: Introduction to Grain Handling Operations course offers an introduction to the key purposes, equipment and processes of grain handling facilities with an emphasis on safety. It also allows new employees to gain insight into the industry while at the same time enhancing seasoned employees skills.

The GEAPS 501: Management Basics for Grain Facility Supervisors course provides an extensive overview of the main duties, responsibilities and expectations of grain operations supervisors and managers. It covers essential duties, topics and roles supervisors and managers need to understand, and why they are important.

The GEAPS 525: Management of Pests in Stored Grain course helps participants learn the skills to prevent and manage infestations using practical chemical and nonchemical methods. Lessons chronicle the most common types of pests associated with stored grain; management concepts, including preventive and responsive tactics; and proper use of protectants and fumigants.

The GEAPS 542: Electrical Safety for Grain and Processing Facilities course provides a basic understanding of electrical safety requirements for grain elevators and processing facilities. It will help participants understand general electrical standards in grain facilities, including the requirements for electric motors and lighting, safety standards and why standards exist. This course also will teach students how to perform an audit, how to identify the classifications in a facility and how to hire qualified electrical contractors.

The GEAPS 550: Materials Handling I course is the first in a three-part series and focuses on the properties and flow characteristics of grains and other dry bulk materials. Participants will be able to determine various material characteristics and their effect on the selection and sizing of bins, spouting and screw conveyors.

 The GEAPS 555: Advanced and Preventative Maintenance for Grain Facilities: Conveyance Equipment will allow experienced employees who deal with conveyance equipment to learn about developing and implementing preventative maintenance programs, repair and upkeep for bucket elevators and conveyers, conveyance equipment lubrication and effective hazard monitoring.

All six courses count toward credentials from GEAPS and Kanas State University. For more information on the certification, visit the GEAPS credential website.

 Courses cost $700 for GEAPS members and $965 for non-members. Companies can save up to 20% on blocks of registrations with the volume discount program, and lock in the price for three years.  For more information about the courses visit the GEAPS website.