National Association of Workforce Development Professionals

About the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)

National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) is a national membership organization dedicated to advancing the workforce development profession. Since our founding in 1984, we have served as a trusted resource and advocate for professionals who help individuals prepare for, secure, and succeed in employment. Through advocacy, training, certification, and connection, NAWDP equips practitioners with the tools and support they need to drive economic opportunity, empower communities, and shape a more inclusive workforce system. No matter what the role in the workforce development ecosystem, whether it’s providing direct services, supporting operations, engaging with employers, or leading strategic efforts, NAWDP is your partner in progress.

Our Mission: Connect, Inform, and Certify Workforce Professionals

We bring together a divers community of professionals dedicated to advancing workforce development. Through high-quality resources, trusted certifications, and a strong network of peers and partners, we ensure workforce professionals are equipped to lead change, spark innovation, and make a lasting impact.

Our Vision:

We enrich the workforce development community as an innovative essential partner in U.S. economic system.

NAWDP envisions a future where workforce professionals are recognized as critical drivers of economic success. By promoting excellence and innovation in the field, we position our members and the broader workforce development system as indispensible to a thriving inclusive economy.

What are the key services and programs you offer?

NAWDP supports workforce professionals at every stage of their careers with opportunities to build skills, strengthen expertise, and stay connected to the evolving workforce development field. NAWDP provides high-quality professional development through conferences, academies, symposiums, live digital learning, and on-demand training designed specifically for workforce development professionals.

NAWDP also advances professional excellence through nationally recognized certifications such as the Certified Workforce Development Professional® (CWDP) and Certified Workforce Development Leader (CWDL), which validate workforce development and leadership competencies, while providing access to practical tools, resources, and industry insights that professionals can apply in their organizations and communities.

Through the Workforce on the Mic podcast, Workforce Insights in Action blog posts, newsletters, and other communications, NAWDP shares thought leadership, emerging trends, promising practices, and industry news to help workforce professionals stay informed and prepared for what is ahead. Together, these services equip professionals with the knowledge, credentials, resources, and connections they need to strengthen their careers and increase their impact across the workforce development community.

Why did you join MUS?

NAWDP sees a strong alignment between MUS’s focus on strengthening workforce development organizations and our mission to support and elevate workforce professionals across the country. Joining MUS created an opportunity to connect with other organizations doing innovative work in the field to share resources, best practices, and build relationships that can strengthen the entire workforce system.

How has being a part of MUS benefited your organization so far?

NAWDP has strengthened our connection to workforce professionals in the Midwest and has increased opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. Most importantly, MUS has created another avenue to listen to the experiences and needs of workforce organizations and consider how NAWDP can better support the field through professional development, certification, advocacy, and connections.

Are there any partnerships or collaborations that have grown from your MUS membership?

MUS membership has opened the door to stronger relationships and conversations with organizations within the MUS network. These connections have created opportunities to explore collaboration around professional development, joint membership engagement, and ways to connect workforce professionals with NAWDP resources.

Fun Fact:

NAWDP created National Workforce Development Month in 2005. Workforce Development Month, held each September, celebrates the workforce development profession and the practitioners who create economic opportunity in their local communities.

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