A Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship (RA) offers a structured, earn-and-learn pathway that builds skilled, credentialed talent for the workforce system. Grounded in national standards, this model supports employers in developing high-performing staff and provides aspiring professionals with a clear entry point into the field.
The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) has developed and received approval from the Department of Labor for the National Guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship Standards for the occupation Workforce Development Professional. The sections below outline key information for employers and sponsors, prospective apprentices, and those seeking to leverage Registered Apprenticeship as a pathway to professional certification and career advancement.
Prospective Apprentices
Interested in starting your career as a workforce development professional through a Registered Apprenticeship? To participate, you must be sponsored by an employer or organization that enrolls apprentices through the DOL Registered Apprenticeship system. Employer sponsorship connects you with on-the-job training, structured learning, mentorship, and the opportunity to earn your CWDP upon completion. Learn more about how apprenticeships work and find opportunities through apprenticeship.gov.
Employers and Sponsors
Registered Apprenticeship isn’t just a pathway for individual career growth — it’s a strategic workforce development tool for employers. By establishing an RA program that aligns with the National Guidelines for Workforce Development Professionals, your organization can cultivate skilled, industry-ready talent while supporting national standards of practice. Review the Registered Apprenticeship Standards to get started with creating or expanding an apprenticeship program that leads to CWDP certification for your apprentices.
Registered Apprenticeship: A Pathway to Earning Your Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP)
Completing a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship (RA) aligned with the National Guidelines for Workforce Development Professionals opens a direct and meaningful pathway to earning your Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP). This integrated approach bridges hands-on workforce practice with national certification standards — helping individuals advance professionally while strengthening organizations’ talent pipelines.
For Registered Apprenticeship Completers
If you have successfully completed a Registered Apprenticeship that aligns with the National Guidelines for Workforce Development Professional, you use your apprenticeship completion certificate from the Department of Labor (DOL) to meet the requirement of core competency assessment for your CWDP application.
To support clear planning and alignment, we’ve developed an CWDP/RA
Crosswalk Matrix that maps the CWDP core competencies to the RA related instruction description. This crosswalk helps apprentices, sponsors, and training partners understand how apprenticeship learning and experience translate to the CWDP’s 5 Core Competencies ensuring readiness for CWDP assessment and success in the workforce.
Become a Member Today
Become a NAWDP member and join the movement to elevate the workforce development profession. Together, we build stronger systems and stronger careers.