Career Development

At every stage of your journey in workforce development, NAWDP is here to support your growth. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into leadership, our programs and resources are designed to help you build new skills, gain recognition, and expand your impact. From nationally recognized certification and professional cohorts to digital learning, events, and registered apprenticeship standards, NAWDP offers a variety of pathways to help you move forward with purpose. Explore how you can grow your expertise, connect with peers, and shape the future of the workforce.

Certification

NAWDP’s Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential is a nationally recognized standard of excellence. Earning your CWDP demonstrates your expertise, commitment, and impact in the workforce development field—opening doors to new roles, responsibilities, and leadership opportunities. It’s not just a milestone—it’s a powerful step forward in your career journey. Apply for your CWDP

Training Cohorts

Designed for experienced professionals ready to lead with confidence and clarity, the NAWDP Leadership Academy equips participants with essential leadership skills, strategic insight, and peer connections. Through this immersive experience, participants grow as innovators, advocates, and change-makers, strengthening their impact across the workforce system and advancing their professional trajectory. Learn more

For those just entering the field, the New Professionals Cohort provides a guided, yearlong introduction to the workforce development ecosystem. Through monthly sessions, networking, mentorship, and a hands-on capstone project, participants build foundational knowledge and professional confidence—laying the groundwork for long-term success and advancement. Learn more

Resources

Access a curated collection of tools, templates, and research that support your day-to-day work and long-term career growth. NAWDP’s Resources section is designed to help you stay informed, aligned with best practices, and equipped to navigate the evolving demands of the workforce development landscape.

The New Worker’s Toolkit is a comprehensive guide for those looking to launch a successful and impactful career in the workforce development industry.

Download the toolkit

The Career Catalyst Assessment is a tool designed to help you build a meaningful career path within the field of workforce development.

Download the Assessment

Download the Worksheet

The Registered Apprenticeship Standards can be used to develop a local apprenticeship program for Workforce Development Professional.

Review the Standards

Digital Learning

Advance your skills anytime, anywhere with NAWDP’s Digital Learning opportunities. From on-demand webinars to live courses, our virtual offerings help you build knowledge, stay current, and expand your professional capabilities—all on your schedule. View upcoming digital learning opportunities

Events

NAWDP’s conferences, symposiums, and virtual events are more than learning opportunities—they’re career catalysts. Connect with experts, exchange ideas, and discover innovative practices that can elevate your performance and position you for advancement in the workforce development field.

Our Conferences cover a wide range of workforce development topics that are centered on industry-relevant learning tracks.

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Our Symposiums are centered around a specific subject or program and training is centered on industry-relevant learning tracks.

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Our Academies are very specific to a particular subject and training is centered on competencies related to the subject area.

Learn more