NAWDP 101: Getting to Know NAWDP

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All right. So, good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all so much for joining us today.

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If you had not heard that message, we are going to be recording today’s session.

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So for anyone that needs to go back and review information, you’ll be able to have that opportunity.

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Uh, so you have joined us today for Get the 411 on NOTUP, or Not Up 101.

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So we are hoping today to share a lot of good information with you on.

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Member benefits on our certifications, be able to help you with any questions that you might have.

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Um, and really be able to connect with each other as well. So… Again, if you’re just joining in, feel free to pop into the chat with.

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where you are in the country, that kind of thing, and my name is Alexis Franks. I am the Director of Membership.

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For a knot up, um, you will also see.

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Kim Meadows on our screen here, she is our Director of Training.

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Uh, Kim is here with us, um, but she is going to be managing our chat today, so if you have questions.

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Feel free to add them into the chat. She’ll be able to answer those as they come in.

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Uh, hi, Ophelia, good to see you, good to see so many folks with us this afternoon.

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Um, so we’re gonna jump right in and get started.

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All right.

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I can. All right, so, in our session today, we have a number of topics to discuss.

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Um, we’re gonna cover NADOP’s mission and our role in workforce development and what that looks like.

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Some benefits to membership? Uh, and our certification, our why credentialing matters.

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We’ll talk about our CWDP process. And then we’ll have a little bit of time at our… at the end of our discussion today for any questions and answers that you might need.

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Also, again, just as a reminder, feel free to pop into the chat any questions that you might have as well.

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And we’ll be able to get those answered for you.

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Alrighty, so we’re gonna jump right in. Um, so we actually operate NodUp, um, or the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.

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off of 3 main pillars, and those pillars are connect, advance, and Innovate.

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So, of course, we want to create environments and spaces in person and virtually.

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For everyone to be able to connect with other workforce development professionals from across the country.

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really learn from each other. Hopefully, that learning from each other and networking will open up opportunities for you all as a professional, but also for your programs to be able to continue to grow.

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and expand and offer new and innovative services. So.

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We definitely want you to advance in your career.

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But also advancing your program as well, um, and providing those innovative services and best practices and ideas.

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are very important to NADA. So we seek to create that environment, um, and hopefully, if you haven’t been to any of our in-person or virtual events before.

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Hopefully, this is just a first step for you, and that you’re really able to take advantage of your membership.

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Um, while you are an audit member, and you continue to be a NOT member, to stay connected and to continue to get these opportunities.

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Alrighty, so just a couple of things. As NADAP, we are the largest organization for workforce development professionals.

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So, we’re not just focused on one specific part or piece of workforce development.

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But we know that there’s workforce existing in all types of areas, in libraries, in hospitals.

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In private and public sector employers. Um, but also that operates one-stop services, or what we consider workforce innovation and Opportunity Act programs.

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So, all of those pieces of workforce development professionals are the pieces and individuals that make us an organization of who we represent.

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So we offer and host two in-person conferences each year.

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Our annual conference, um, is typically in the May timeframe, uh, so this coming year, we’ll have some information.

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for you on that upcoming annual conference. Um, we also offer each year our youth symposium. That specific event focuses on.

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The workforce professionals that work with that age range, typically that 16 to 24 age range.

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With youth that may have significant, um, challenges to employment, and that may need extra support and services.

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So those are our two in-person conferences each year.

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And we also host a business services academy. So again, these are for workforce professionals that interact and engage with business and industry on a regular basis.

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And we know, and we’ve heard and continue to hear that workforce is a well-kept secret.

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But business services teams are at the front of getting that information out and letting that secret out.

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to all employers, so we definitely want to make sure to support.

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through the academy, and how we explore and engage partners as employers.

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We also offer, through our membership, the Opportunity Connect… to connect through our online community.

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So, as the Director of Membership, I would have to say, if you haven’t logged in.

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to your NAW member profile. Please, just take a moment to do so, and really interact in our online community.

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We have a very engaging number of members that will post and share ideas and thoughts.

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In that online community, so please, please, take advantage of that opportunity to connect with others.

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That you may not normally be able to connect with, and ask questions.

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Share good things and good practices that you all have seen work in your programs.

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Um, and take that opportunity to connect. Uh, also, twice a year, we do host a network with NADUP.

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Members-only virtual online event. Um, these sessions are really geared towards connecting with other professionals.

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And having intimate or very special conversations. Um, just to be able to share what’s working, what challenges are you facing, uh, and then how can we help each other to continue this work? We know that it’s necessary, definitely needed, so how can we help hold each other up?

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Um, and ultimately, one of our mottos that Kim loves to say is, get connected and stay connected.

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So now, this may be your first step in connecting with NADAP and connecting with other professionals.

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But don’t let this be the end. Again, we want this to be a starting point for you, that you stay connected with us, whether it’s at in-person events.

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or virtual events, and take every opportunity to continue those connections.

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Alrighty. So… The advanced part of this, uh, pillar, uh, really.

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speaks to some of the professional development opportunities that we offer.

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Um, and learning opportunities and engaging opportunities we offer.

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So, once a month, we do host a 30 Minutes of Excellence session. You’ll see that on our events page, digital events page.

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Um, so feel free to take a look at what those sessions, uh, look like, and the topics that are discussed.

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And join in on one of those. It can be 30 minutes, well worth spending just to learn something new that works in other programs, or something new that you did not know is happening in Workforce.

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Uh, so feel free to enter or participate in those sessions.

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We also have our Workforce on the Mic podcast, so we have one new episode that is released.

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On our podcast each month. And each month, uh, speaks to a different topic or area of workforce, whether it’s apprenticeship.

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New and innovative programs and best practices. How we’re engaging with special populations of customers.

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are underrepresented populations of customers. So those are some really engaging topics as well. You can find that on our website. We have a page specifically for our podcast.

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or anywhere podcasts can be, um, listened to, Apple, Spotify, those types of platforms as well.

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On our website, we also have blogs and our monthly newsletter that is sent out by email.

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Our, uh, team works very hard to put together information that we hope will make sure that you’re up to date on things.

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as they’re happening across the country. So whether it’s legislative or just a best practice from a different part of the country.

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Those blogs, newsletters, and weekly updates. are ways that you stay informed and are able to advance your programs, um, just by reading up on new information and asking questions.

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Um, so please feel free to take the time to read those updates and newsletters to learn a little bit more.

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You can also search for job openings in our Job Center on our website as well.

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Uh, and in a little bit, we will talk through our Certified Workforce Development Professional Certificate.

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And that is a huge opportunity for you to advance in your workforce development career.

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We know that there’s many opportunities, um, that you may be able to take advantage of, and it takes some very special individuals.

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to work in workforce development programs. So we want to make sure that you stay in this industry, and that you have the skills to advance in this industry as well. And one of the ways to do that is with CWDP.

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So we’ll talk about that in just a little bit.

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Alrighty, and of course, that innovation piece comes from being able to connect.

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Adding that professional development together, we want you to be able to create those innovative practices.

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that are really driving new ways for individuals to begin in their career paths.

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or move up in their career paths. Ultimately, we are all here for the same goal. We want individuals to be successful.

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Uh, in their employment and in their careers. So, as we continue to work together to better our programs.

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These are the outcomes that we definitely hope that you all get to see.

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And that we can support, um, if there’s something that you think you need that we can support, feel free to let us know as well. We want you to be innovative.

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Okay, so as we jump in, um… One of the things that we definitely wanted to share, some of the benefits of membership with NautUp.

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And some of those things, we have… tons of different benefits, uh, that individuals have experienced.

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as a NAW member, but a few of those can be seen below, um, on the screen here.

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You are eligible as a NAW member to apply for your Certified Workforce Development Professional, or CWDP, certificate.

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Again, we’ll talk through that process and what it looks like.

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You also have the opportunity to build connections with other professionals. So again, that connecting, advancing, being innovative.

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All of those are benefits of being a NAW member, and can happen at a different level.

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You can attend any of our events as a non-member, but the additional experiences as a Nautic member can really make a difference.

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Um, of course, you do receive discounted pricing on our events if you are a member.

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Uh, but you also have that ability to post.

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and access requests for proposals, or RFPs, and other industry opportunities.

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So if you’re part of an organization, or if you’re a leader in an organization that’s really looking to expand.

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We want you to be connected as a NOTUP member so that you can continue to build your capacity in your organization as well.

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You also have that ability as an Audit member to post and review current workforce development job opportunities through our Job Center, as we mentioned before.

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being a part of an industry and a network of thought leaders in workforce is a huge reason to become an audit member.

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You’re gonna get access to knowledge and the value of how we actually do this work successfully.

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Uh, as an audit member, so we encourage you, if you’re not currently a member, or if you’re not necessarily taking advantage of all of these benefits.

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that you try to in the future, and really look at how we can engage and personalize your membership experience based on your needs.

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Uh, hopefully you all, if you’re new to NautUp, if you’re a new member.

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We hope that you all get to share and provide feedback.

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You may see that we have a number of resources or surveys that may come out to you specifically, and it may ask where your challenge is. Um, what do you seek to learn over the next year?

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We want you to engage in those things, because those formulate the resources that we share.

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and the events that we provide, um, to support you in your programs.

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So even as a member, being able to give that feedback.

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of what you would like to see, and where you would like to learn more, helps us be able to support you better.

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Uh, so again, feel free to respond to those surveys, definitely be engaged as an Audit member.

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to get the full income or feedback that you might need to support you in your day-to-day role.

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All right, so for an Audit membership. Currently, we offer membership at $95 per year. Um, we run on a membership cycle, so that runs from July 1st to June 30th of each year.

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We do not prorate membership. We want you to have access to all of your member benefits as soon as you join, the day that you join.

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Um, so if you join in the middle… middle of our membership cycle.

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You will begin to receive, um, renewal notices, uh, towards the end of this cycle, typically from April to June.

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Um, we do offer, uh, discounted or early renewal discount if you are able to renew your membership prior to July 1st.

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Uh, so if you’ve joined during the middle of the cycle, no problem, no worries.

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We want to, again, to get connected and stay connected with all of our membership benefits available to you as soon as possible.

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You can also receive discounts on, of course, on professional development and conferences and that eligibility to provide, um, apply for the CWDP.

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So, if you have questions on the membership, we do have discounted rates for organizations or teams of individuals.

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that would like to become NAW members, so feel free to reach out to me directly.

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Um, we are also supported by an amazing board of directors from across the country.

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So, as a NAW member, you will see in your member profile that you are connected to a state.

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As well as a region within NautUp’s membership. And that board of directors, if you are not aware, feel free to look at our website for an up-to-date list of who those board members are.

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But they also are seeking to engage consistently with our members.

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Um, just to learn a little bit more about your needs, where you’re successful in your programs.

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So if you have a question about who might represent your state and or region.

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Feel free to let us know, and we’ll be glad to share that. Or also, you can view that on our website as well.

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Under our About Us and our Director’s page.

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Alrighty, so we are now transitioning into our CWDP conversation. We’ve talked about it a little bit so far.

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Um, and we really want to make sure that you all have a reason to… for understanding.

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Why credentialing matters. The CWDP is.

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really research-based. Uh, and so it puts together the requirements of the CWDP are based on a wide variety of workforce development roles.

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So, whether you’re very new to workforce, or you’ve been doing this work for some time.

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This credential gives that foundation of learning for all workforce individuals. For many of us.

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We may feel like we’ve happened upon a career in workforce development.

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We did not grow up in the sandbox playing around and saying, hey, I want to grow up and be a workforce development professional.

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If that was your journey, or your story, definitely share that in the chat, because we want to hear.

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that. Um, and we really want to make sure.

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that we have a solid foundation for all of the skills that help us to be successful as a workforce development professional.

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Uh, so, you’ll see in just a moment that what we do is.

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look to demonstrate skills through our competencies of the CWDP.

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And those skills are really what it takes to be a successful workforce development professional.

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Credentialing also matters because it is a continuous improvement model. We want you to continue to grow as a workforce professional.

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So we know that there may be opportunities for you to receive, uh, promotion or move up in the industry of workforce.

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But we want you to be able to have that credential that shows that you have the skills to advance as well.

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And that continuous improvement is a review of our competencies and our processes.

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And that really helps us to say, are we meeting the needs of you as a certified workforce development professional?

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Um, we do set the standard with the CWDP in the workforce profession.

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There’s not another credential or degree that, um, really does set that standard. So we want you to make sure that you take full advantage of the CWDP.

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And that accountability piece, too, is very important for you as a workforce professional.

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To hold that standard of continuous professional development. We’re lifelong learners, typically workforce individuals are lifelong learners. There’s always something new, changing, and happening in workforce.

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And even if it isn’t something new, per se, it is a new way of providing services, or a different perspective on how we really are supporting our customers and their success.

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So we want to make sure that you have that evi-.

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accountability to continue to learn what it takes to be a successful workforce development professional.

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Alrighty, so let’s jump right in. The CWDP does have 5 core competencies. As you can see on our slide here.

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Those competencies include customer service methodologies. Diversity and workforce development.

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Labor market information and intelligence. Principles of communication.

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And workforce development structure policies and programs. So these are the five areas which.

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are linked to skills of a workforce professional that really help you to be successful and have that.

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well-rounded foundation of learning for what it… takes to be a workforce development professional.

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So that customer service methodology, we know that we’re working and supporting customers on a day-to-day basis, but what does that really look like?

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Um, what does it look like to serve very diverse populations? Serving a youth versus a migrant and seasonal farm worker versus.

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A person with a disability may look very different.

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So how do we really understand the individual that we’re working with and the unique needs that they all have?

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Um, again, a very important piece of workforce development is understanding labor market trends.

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Um, understanding where there will be new opportunities for employment in different careers.

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And why those trends are changing, that is a huge piece of the… these competencies, and it’s a huge piece of understanding.

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how we can provide workforce services locally. Of course, principles of communication. This one, we did a recent survey, and this one was one of the more important competencies.

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Those principles of communication is really how we’re learning and engaging and connecting with individuals.

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In order to be able to provide them services.

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And how we’re communicating with employers and businesses as well to be able to provide them services.

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So that’s a huge piece of our competencies. And then, of course, at the base.

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Understanding workforce development structures and policies and programs. how those are founded and developed.

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how we measure success in our programs, that’s a huge piece of being successful as well.

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Uh, so, these are the… our five core competencies, uh, that are included in the CWDP.

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Alrighty, so we do have some… our certification criteria listed for you here.

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Uh, so there are two different pieces of certification criteria.

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The first is education and work experience. So, we do require a minimum education level of a high school diploma or GED.

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And a minimum of 12 months within the last 24 months’ work experience.

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in a workforce development role. We get a lot of questions about this, um, requirement in particular for what counts as workforce development.

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it as a role. It does not have to be that your title is Workforce Development Specialist.

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There is not one specific job occupation that just only includes workforce activities.

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So, you may be working as a recruiter. or a resume writer, uh, you may be working as a job coach, or you may be working… be working as a business services representative.

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even a director or someone that’s in a finance role for a program.

00:24:08.000 –> 00:24:16.000
Even if you’re working in a non-profit or other IT space that supports workforce programs.

00:24:16.000 –> 00:24:25.000
All of those activities within your… those roles. count towards this requirement as a workforce development professional.

00:24:25.000 –> 00:24:28.000
So we look at a lot more than just the title.

00:24:28.000 –> 00:24:34.000
But we look at the work that you’ve actually conducted as, um, meeting this requirement.

00:24:34.000 –> 00:24:40.000
If you ever have a question on whether any type of work experience that you have done meets this requirement.

00:24:40.000 –> 00:24:46.000
Feel free to reach out to our staff. We have our contact information. Definitely mine is on our.

00:24:46.000 –> 00:24:51.000
our presentation today, but feel free to reach out to our staff.

00:24:51.000 –> 00:24:59.000
And we’ll be able to answer questions for you if there’s a specific occupation you’d like to learn more about.

00:24:59.000 –> 00:25:11.000
to make sure it meets that requirement. The second piece, um, of our certification requirements is showing knowledge in that five competency area.

00:25:11.000 –> 00:25:14.000
Uh, so this can be achieved in one of two ways.

00:25:14.000 –> 00:25:21.000
You do not have to do both of these. You can either complete an approved training course.

00:25:21.000 –> 00:25:29.000
through one of NOTUP’s approved training providers. Or, you may pass a 100-question test.

00:25:29.000 –> 00:25:35.000
That covers these five core competencies. So again, there’s no need for you to do both.

00:25:35.000 –> 00:25:42.000
But you can either complete the training course. or the certification exam.

00:25:42.000 –> 00:25:50.000
Um, we do get a lot of questions on the exam. Uh, the exam is administered by a third-party provider for us.

00:25:50.000 –> 00:25:58.000
Uh, so, you do receive two attempts. to make at least a passing grade of 80 or more.

00:25:58.000 –> 00:26:07.000
Um, and that is two attempts within one year. Um, that test is timed, uh, it is a 90-minute timed exam.

00:26:07.000 –> 00:26:13.000
Uh, so, you of course want to make sure that you are prepared before that exam.

00:26:13.000 –> 00:26:21.000
To answer some more questions regarding that exam. We do not currently offer study guide materials.

00:26:21.000 –> 00:26:28.000
For the CWDP exam. But what we do have is a full, detailed list.

00:26:28.000 –> 00:26:34.000
of our five core competencies and the skills that embody those competencies.

00:26:34.000 –> 00:26:39.000
So we encourage you to take a look on our certification page on our website.

00:26:39.000 –> 00:26:44.000
to really take a deep dive into those five core competencies.

00:26:44.000 –> 00:26:52.000
And if you use that as a study guide, it will give you a way to see which areas are you strong in.

00:26:52.000 –> 00:27:02.000
Um, which you complete on a day-to-day basis, or maybe haven’t done in a while, and which you may need to… to study or learn a little bit more.

00:27:02.000 –> 00:27:14.000
before taking that exam. Alrighty. So those are our… Two certification requirements that education and work experience.

00:27:14.000 –> 00:27:20.000
And showing that knowledge in the five core competency areas.

00:27:20.000 –> 00:27:28.000
And again, feel free… to add into the chat, if you have questions on any of this information.

00:27:28.000 –> 00:27:38.000
Alrighty, to continue those requirements. You do have to maintain professional association with NADUP, or be a paid member of NADUP.

00:27:38.000 –> 00:27:48.000
Throughout the duration of your certification period. The CWDP does last for 3 years before expiration.

00:27:48.000 –> 00:27:56.000
Um, again, being a paid member, um. keeps you accountable for your own professional development.

00:27:56.000 –> 00:28:06.000
We tend… we will… Invest in your professional development as well by offering at least 20 hours per year.

00:28:06.000 –> 00:28:16.000
of training that you can receive through NADA. And through our new processes, we do have, um, in your member profiles, a training log.

00:28:16.000 –> 00:28:25.000
That training log, uh, will… be able to… or allow you to track anything that you’ve participated in through NautUp.

00:28:25.000 –> 00:28:35.000
You also have the ability to add in. other events, whether virtual or in person, that you’ve attended.

00:28:35.000 –> 00:28:41.000
to that training log, um, so for you to be able to track what the work that you’ve done.

00:28:41.000 –> 00:28:49.000
Um, so again, maintaining that affiliation with NAW keeps you accountable for your own continued professional development.

00:28:49.000 –> 00:28:59.000
After obtaining your certification. And then lastly, we want you to adhere. It is a requirement to adhere to a professional code of ethics.

00:28:59.000 –> 00:29:05.000
And to maintain a high standard of ethics as a CWDP holder.

00:29:05.000 –> 00:29:15.000
Um, so that will be included in our application process, where you can sign off on that code of ethics as well.

00:29:15.000 –> 00:29:26.000
All right, so… We have our requirements for the certification. Let’s move into what that application process really looks like.

00:29:26.000 –> 00:29:32.000
Um, we hope that this process is a little streamlined for you to make it as easy as possible.

00:29:32.000 –> 00:29:39.000
Um, once you have completed either that course or the 100-question exam.

00:29:39.000 –> 00:29:44.000
You will be able to complete the CWDP application form.

00:29:44.000 –> 00:29:50.000
That form can be found on our certification page on our website, a link to that form.

00:29:50.000 –> 00:29:56.000
It’s a very short form. It takes about 5 minutes to complete that application.

00:29:56.000 –> 00:30:02.000
It will ask some personal information, so your name, email, contact information.

00:30:02.000 –> 00:30:08.000
Um, you will need to add in proof of your, uh, education, uh, as well as, um.

00:30:08.000 –> 00:30:18.000
just an overview of your work experience. You’ll be able to complete that through our employment verification form. We’ll go over that in just a moment.

00:30:18.000 –> 00:30:24.000
Uh, and it will also, after completing that application form, take you back to our site.

00:30:24.000 –> 00:30:35.000
to submit the application form. On that submission page, you would just upload a copy of that Certificate of completion from the course.

00:30:35.000 –> 00:30:41.000
or you’re passing exam grade, uh, and submit that.

00:30:41.000 –> 00:30:49.000
through our website, and process a $125 CWDP application fee.

00:30:49.000 –> 00:30:56.000
on that page as well, you’ll see a link to submit your employment verification form.

00:30:56.000 –> 00:31:01.000
That form can be completed either by a previous manager or, uh.

00:31:01.000 –> 00:31:06.000
co-worker if your employer is no longer operating or in business.

00:31:06.000 –> 00:31:10.000
Um, so you’ll be able to share that verification form link.

00:31:10.000 –> 00:31:16.000
with whoever needed. Um, so if you’re at a current employer, you can send it to your current manager.

00:31:16.000 –> 00:31:25.000
If you have done or ever been in business, and that counts towards your 12 months in the past 24.

00:31:25.000 –> 00:31:32.000
Uh, we also do a… allow a self-attest if you have been self-employed in the past.

00:31:32.000 –> 00:31:36.000
Uh, to cover to meet that requirement as well.

00:31:36.000 –> 00:31:49.000
So, again. This can be… if you’re not sure, or if you’re not… exactly sure what route you should take, feel free to reach out to our staff. We’re more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

00:31:49.000 –> 00:31:55.000
on who can complete that employment verification form for you.

00:31:55.000 –> 00:32:06.000
Alrighty, and lastly, after you have submitted the application form, you’ve uploaded your documents, you’ve given us everything we need for the employment verification.

00:32:06.000 –> 00:32:13.000
Your application officially goes into a review cycle. Um, so at… once those steps are complete.

00:32:13.000 –> 00:32:19.000
You will receive a determination of your CWDP status within 45 days.

00:32:19.000 –> 00:32:24.000
We have a number of new individuals that are working to obtain their CWDP.

00:32:24.000 –> 00:32:30.000
So we kindly request your patience as we work through all of our applications.

00:32:30.000 –> 00:32:39.000
Um, but this is definitely a very good way to invest in your career progression and growth.

00:32:39.000 –> 00:32:43.000
And once you have that determination of your status.

00:32:43.000 –> 00:32:48.000
You have the ability to add those letters at the end of your name.

00:32:48.000 –> 00:32:56.000
We want you to promote the CWDP, and that you have obtained that certification in your commitment to workforce development.

00:32:56.000 –> 00:33:05.000
So we’ll provide to you a copy of your certificate, a seal that you’ll be able to use and add to different things as needed.

00:33:05.000 –> 00:33:15.000
Um, but we definitely want you to showcase the work that you put in to becoming a Certified Workforce Development Professional.

00:33:15.000 –> 00:33:32.000
Oh, right. So now, you are officially a CWDP, you have that Alexis Franks, comma, CWDP at the end of your name, you’re using your seal, you’re sharing it with your employers on your LinkedIn, you’re doing all those things.

00:33:32.000 –> 00:33:41.000
So what next? Well, we want you to begin immediately thinking about what that continued professional development looks like.

00:33:41.000 –> 00:33:50.000
We don’t want you to get to the end of that 3-year period and say, oh, I need to get these 60 hours so I can recertify.

00:33:50.000 –> 00:33:55.000
So, even though your CWDP is active for 3 years.

00:33:55.000 –> 00:34:02.000
You can complete those recertification hours anytime within that 3-year period.

00:34:02.000 –> 00:34:09.000
Um, we want you to, again, be committed to that professional development as things continue to happen and change.

00:34:09.000 –> 00:34:22.000
in our industry, um, and that recertification. period or process, we want to make it easy for you. So again, I mentioned previously in your member profile, you have access to your training log.

00:34:22.000 –> 00:34:30.000
That is an area where you can upload trainings that you’ve gone to or participated in locally at the state or regional level.

00:34:30.000 –> 00:34:35.000
things that you’ve done through a… college or educational institution.

00:34:35.000 –> 00:34:41.000
Or just things that you have attended online, whether it be through Workforce GPS.

00:34:41.000 –> 00:34:46.000
our YouTube or resource library of trainings as well.

00:34:46.000 –> 00:34:51.000
all of those things can count towards your recertification.

00:34:51.000 –> 00:34:58.000
Um, the only items that would not necessarily count towards recertification.

00:34:58.000 –> 00:35:05.000
would be attendance at a meeting, or… job fair, or career event.

00:35:05.000 –> 00:35:12.000
Those things aren’t technically areas where you’ve learned and obtained any professional development.

00:35:12.000 –> 00:35:22.000
So again, things like conferences, convenings. Um, those are definitely… counting towards your recertification hours.

00:35:22.000 –> 00:35:29.000
Classes are also included in that. for anything that you obtain that is over 10 hours.

00:35:29.000 –> 00:35:34.000
Uh, in time frame. Um, you can submit a syllabus.

00:35:34.000 –> 00:35:40.000
or a copy of what was learned in that time frame, and that we will accept as well.

00:35:40.000 –> 00:35:48.000
You’ll see on that recertification application that you will… would need to add in individual events.

00:35:48.000 –> 00:35:56.000
Um, but if it’s over that 10-hour time frame, you can provide us the full syllabus or schedule, and we’ll count that as one entry.

00:35:56.000 –> 00:36:03.000
Um, so, and again, for recertification, we want you to maintain your professional affiliation with NOTUP.

00:36:03.000 –> 00:36:07.000
And continue to adhere to our code of professional ethics.

00:36:07.000 –> 00:36:15.000
All righty, so now we have our CWDP and recertification processes.

00:36:15.000 –> 00:36:25.000
In front of us. So, we want to share with you just some of… one of our upcoming events, if… hopefully I’ll get to see some… some of you there. If not.

00:36:25.000 –> 00:36:32.000
We hope to see you at future events. But our upcoming event will be our Youth Symposium. That will be November 17th.

00:36:32.000 –> 00:36:42.000
through the 19th in New Orleans. Um, we will also share, and you should be able to see fairly soon on our events page.

00:36:42.000 –> 00:36:48.000
Our upcoming annual conference will be May 18th to 20th in Phoenix, Arizona.

00:36:48.000 –> 00:36:54.000
Uh, so, if you’re looking for professional development events to attend.

00:36:54.000 –> 00:37:00.000
We have a number coming up in 2026. We’re adding some new virtual events as well.

00:37:00.000 –> 00:37:05.000
So we want you to get excited about what you’ll learn in 2026.

00:37:05.000 –> 00:37:11.000
And we’re really in a time of change where we can see growth in workforce development.

00:37:11.000 –> 00:37:26.000
And we want to be able to keep up as things change and new things are implemented, so… Feel free to join us on those virtual or in-person events so you can continue your professional development.

00:37:26.000 –> 00:37:31.000
Alrighty, again, we mentioned our workforce on the Mic podcast.

00:37:31.000 –> 00:37:37.000
That is actually hosted by me, so if you’ve never listened, feel free, hopefully I’m not, uh, too boring.

00:37:37.000 –> 00:37:44.000
Um, but we really do have, more than me, just some engaging members or interviewees.

00:37:44.000 –> 00:37:48.000
on our podcast that are really sharing some great work that they’re doing.

00:37:48.000 –> 00:37:57.000
I also want to encourage, if you’re doing some great work locally, we have a workforce on the Mic podcast interest form.

00:37:57.000 –> 00:38:06.000
Feel free to join me for a conversation. I am always looking for information to share. Um, we don’t promote ourselves enough.

00:38:06.000 –> 00:38:13.000
So, any opportunity I can take to promote the hard work that you all are doing in your local communities.

00:38:13.000 –> 00:38:20.000
I would love it. Um, our podcast recordings can be done virtually, so don’t feel free… feel like you have to travel, too.

00:38:20.000 –> 00:38:30.000
a specific place to participate in our podcast. We want to engage with you and for you to join in on the conversation so we can share your work.

00:38:30.000 –> 00:38:39.000
And if you’d like that interest form, feel free to let me know, and I’ll get it over to you as soon as possible.

00:38:39.000 –> 00:38:45.000
Alrighty, so we’ve covered quite a bit of information in a very short period of time.

00:38:45.000 –> 00:38:53.000
Hopefully, it didn’t feel like drinking from a water hose, um, but if there’s any questions that you might have at this time.

00:38:53.000 –> 00:39:03.000
I’m happy to answer those.

00:39:03.000 –> 00:39:15.000
And you can add those either in the chat, or… come right off of mute, if you would like.

00:39:15.000 –> 00:39:23.000
Alrighty, so we have one question here. Are there significant differences or elements to consider when selecting.

00:39:23.000 –> 00:39:27.000
Um, education and skills in the five competency areas.

00:39:27.000 –> 00:39:30.000
So, Kristen, I want to make sure I understand.

00:39:30.000 –> 00:39:39.000
Um, your question correctly. Um, if this is in reference between choosing between the course or the exam.

00:39:39.000 –> 00:39:43.000
Um, there’s a couple of things that you may want to consider.

00:39:43.000 –> 00:39:57.000
Um, really, it’s… How long do you have been doing this work, and the best style of learning. Uh, so… If you are barely new to workforce development, and we consider fairly new.

00:39:57.000 –> 00:40:07.000
Uh, 3 years or less. then you may want to take that deep dive into the five core competency description on our website.

00:40:07.000 –> 00:40:19.000
And if there are significant areas where you’re like, oh, I’m not really sure about this piece, I’m… And typically, that piece is the labor market intelligence and information part.

00:40:19.000 –> 00:40:28.000
We use that, um, but not necessarily as often, uh, when working with customers or when working with businesses.

00:40:28.000 –> 00:40:33.000
Um, so it may be best to consider which areas you’re most familiar with.

00:40:33.000 –> 00:40:38.000
Uh, when it comes to the. five core competencies.

00:40:38.000 –> 00:40:45.000
If you feel like you’re not familiar in more than two areas with a significant amount of information.

00:40:45.000 –> 00:40:58.000
Our suggestion is to go for the course. The course will cover, of course, all of this information, um, but it will also give you a solid foundation in areas where you may not feel as strong.

00:40:58.000 –> 00:41:07.000
Typically, those that take the certification exam that have passed without any issues are individuals that have been in more than.

00:41:07.000 –> 00:41:19.000
two roles in workforce development over at least 3 years. So… Those are also factors to consider. If you’ve had experience in multiple roles.

00:41:19.000 –> 00:41:25.000
That could also support you doing well in the certification exam.

00:41:25.000 –> 00:41:35.000
Alrighty, we have another question here. what are some of the differences between the CWDP and the CWDL?

00:41:35.000 –> 00:41:43.000
Does the CWDL cover all of the same ground as the CWDP? That is an excellent, excellent question.

00:41:43.000 –> 00:41:53.000
If you’re not familiar, we didn’t get the chance to discuss this today, but the CWDL is our Certified Workforce Development Leader Certificate.

00:41:53.000 –> 00:42:02.000
So, this particular certification. is more focused on, um, how you lead in workforce programs.

00:42:02.000 –> 00:42:09.000
Um, so this is offered in cooperation or in partnership with the University of Georgia.

00:42:09.000 –> 00:42:20.000
And their JW Fanning Institute. Um, and actually, we have at least one attendee. I know Shannon is in our initial cohort of our Leadership Academy.

00:42:20.000 –> 00:42:25.000
The big difference between the CWDP and the CWDL is.

00:42:25.000 –> 00:42:34.000
how you obtain those two cert… certifications. The CWDP can only be obtained either by the course or the exam.

00:42:34.000 –> 00:42:40.000
The CWDL can only be obtained by completing the Leadership Academy.

00:42:40.000 –> 00:42:47.000
So if you’ve recently, um, applied for the Leadership Academy, or would like to apply for future cohorts.

00:42:47.000 –> 00:42:52.000
That is the only way that you would be eligible to apply for that CWDL.

00:42:52.000 –> 00:42:53.000
And I like it. Yeah, I think I can add a couple of things, if you don’t mind, as well.

00:42:53.000 –> 00:42:59.000
It does cover… I’m sorry. Sure!

00:42:59.000 –> 00:43:07.000
just, um, Kiko, for the competencies. Um, we do have 5 competencies for the CWDP that Alexis talked about a little earlier.

00:43:07.000 –> 00:43:12.000
Um, but the competencies for the CWDL are completely different.

00:43:12.000 –> 00:43:25.000
Um, so those competencies are different, even though.

00:43:25.000 –> 00:43:39.000
Thank you, Kiam. Thank you so much. So, yes, you will see, and we do have a, um… CWDL, or Certified Workforce Development Leader, Leadership Academy page on our website, with additional information.

00:43:39.000 –> 00:43:47.000
Um, and Linda, to answer your question. The courses for the CWDP.

00:43:47.000 –> 00:43:57.000
Um, vary in cost, so it does depend on which training provider, um, you… choose or select to take the course with.

00:43:57.000 –> 00:44:02.000
There are, um… at least one training provider.

00:44:02.000 –> 00:44:10.000
uh, TAG grants that offers the ability for you to provide or obtain multiple certifications through their exam.

00:44:10.000 –> 00:44:20.000
So instead of our five core competencies. Theirs includes 20 competencies that will allow you to, um, apply for 3 different credentials.

00:44:20.000 –> 00:44:22.000
So the cost of that course is a little bit.

00:44:22.000 –> 00:44:32.000
higher, or different. We also, um, one of our approved training providers is the University of California at San Diego.

00:44:32.000 –> 00:44:37.000
Um, with them, because they are included in a higher education institution.

00:44:37.000 –> 00:44:48.000
Um, their cost is different as well. I believe that it is… around the $900 range, but typically each course will.

00:44:48.000 –> 00:44:54.000
range from 400. to 900 at a minimum.

00:44:54.000 –> 00:45:01.000
Uh, so, I would definitely suggest on our website for you to take a look at those four training providers.

00:45:01.000 –> 00:45:07.000
Our other training providers are Dynamic Works Institute. And power notes.

00:45:07.000 –> 00:45:12.000
Um, so you can feel free to look at that information on our website.

00:45:12.000 –> 00:45:20.000
Um, and if you like details, we encourage you to reach out specifically to the training provider.

00:45:20.000 –> 00:45:35.000
on how their courses work. Some are hybrid. all… I believe all are virtual. Um, Power Notes is self-paced and self-guided, so if you are really already very familiar with workforce development.

00:45:35.000 –> 00:45:40.000
Um, and not necessarily your learning style to be led by an instructor.

00:45:40.000 –> 00:45:45.000
Uh, every course or every session, that may be one to consider.

00:45:45.000 –> 00:45:50.000
Uh, so again, we really want you to… to think through how you learn best.

00:45:50.000 –> 00:45:55.000
And then research which training provider might be best for you.

00:45:55.000 –> 00:45:58.000
Thank you so much for clarifying, that’s helpful.

00:45:58.000 –> 00:46:12.000
Great! Thank you, Linda. Alrighty, and just hoping I haven’t missed anyone else’s questions…

00:46:12.000 –> 00:46:16.000
I think we got everything else answered in the chat, Alexis. Thank you.

00:46:16.000 –> 00:46:34.000
Great, great, great! Alrighty, so… We thank you all so much for attending today, um, and hopefully this is just, again, the starting point. We want you to get engaged and continue to learn more about the work at NAWDP and how you can be a part of this.

00:46:34.000 –> 00:46:42.000
Um, if you are interested, again, in the podcast, I think I got a couple of messages of folks that might be interested.

00:46:42.000 –> 00:46:48.000
But I’ll send along that interest form, uh, so we can get you as our guests.

00:46:48.000 –> 00:46:53.000
Um, we hope that you continue to press forward in the work that you’re doing every day.

00:46:53.000 –> 00:46:57.000
We know it’s not easy, we know that it’s sometimes changing.

00:46:57.000 –> 00:47:05.000
Uh, we know that many of our fellow workforce professionals may, at this time be facing different circumstances in their programs.

00:47:05.000 –> 00:47:08.000
So we want to continue to support each other.

00:47:08.000 –> 00:47:14.000
Um, and we hope that you all, as being connected to NAWDP, can continue to be successful.

00:47:14.000 –> 00:47:19.000
and workforce development. If there’s anything we can do to help support you.

00:47:19.000 –> 00:47:28.000
Feel free to let us know. Uh, and in the meantime, we hope to see you online again at future events or in person at our events.

00:47:28.000 –> 00:47:34.000
Feel free to reach out if you need anything, and thank you for joining us.

00:47:34.000 –> 00:47:49.000
And Kim has added our… contact information into the chat if anyone needs it, so thank you.