Have you considered getting the boss to make it a weekend course? You can cover things more in depth as well it can be offered as a reward for good work. As well it can give the people in attendence a few extra days of pay.

As the mandatory attendence goes, that is good initiative however unless the manager can convey a positive outlook on the class. People will resist the training more.

I am a firm believer of giving everybody their lunch off. This allows them too cool their jets and recharge for the final shift.

The fact that the company is conducting extra training is an excellent idea. Scheduling it is the expensive part.