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
NAWDP Leadership Academy
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
New Professionals Cohort in Workforce Development
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.
New Worker’s Toolkit
The New Worker’s Toolkit is a comprehensive guide for those looking to launch a successful and impactful career in the workforce development industry.
Career Catalyst Assessment
The Career Catalyst Assessment is a tool designed to help you build a meaningful career path within the field of workforce development.
Registered Apprenticeship Standards
The Registered Apprenticeship Standards can be used to develop a local apprenticeship program for Workforce Development Professional.
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
Latest On-Demand Sessions
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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.
Conferences
Our Conferences cover a wide range of workforce development topics that are centered on industry-relevant learning tracks.
Symposiums
Our Symposiums are centered around a specific subject or program and training is centered on industry-relevant learning tracks.
Academies
Our Academies are very specific to a particular subject and training is centered on competencies related to the subject area.
Earning my Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential has not only provided access to valuable training opportunities but also given me the confidence to actively connect with and expand my professional network within the workforce development community. This certification has enhanced my credibility and professional recognition, positioning me as a trusted expert among the clients I serve and strengthening my ability to make a meaningful impact in their career development.
— Wynnie Iga-Lwalanda, ZIL Career Avenue LLC
Earning my CWDP credential provided formal recognition of my experience and expertise, which has enhanced my credibility with both colleagues and business partners. NAWDP continues to be a valuable resource as I lead collaborative workforce initiatives and strive to create lasting impact in my community.
— Dana Sheldon, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
It is my belief that when you can validate the “what you think to be true” with a credential, that you truly are able to do your job better each and every day. This could not be more true for the CWDP. The validation that I received going through this process allows me to be confident in all settings when talking about workforce development.
— Todd Nielsen, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
A layer of trust is added to prove my expertise in the industry. A Workforce Developer with this credential is one who has proven their willingness to participate in personal and professional development, and they are abreast of industry trends in real-time. My CWDP allows me to proudly display my commitment to my profession.
— Reese Broadnax, SWAPDD, Inc.
I earned my CWDP in 2020 and recently renewed my certification. I decided to earn my because I wanted to expand my knowledge of the workforce system and strengthen my skills in the key areas of business engagement and customer service methodology.
— Janna Taylor, LHRDI
I decided to earn my CWDP in 2015. I thought it was the best way to demonstrate my understanding of the market and the work that I was doing.
— Jason George, Lightcast
Becoming a CWDP has helped establish my place in the workforce development landscape. It has given me access and authority in different circles, and it provides me with more confidence as an advocate for my staff and participants.
— Erica Davis, Gamm, Incorporated