By Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, The Workforce Development Motivator
Each September, we recognize Workforce Development Month—a time to reflect on the critical role workforce development plays in transforming lives, families, and communities. For me, this month is not just a professional observance. It is personal.
Back in the 1970s, my mother’s life took a new direction when she enrolled in a workforce development program. At that time, she was struggling to find her footing and provide for her children. Workforce development gave her more than job skills—it gave her confidence, dignity, and hope. That experience completely changed the trajectory of my life. The opportunities she received opened doors for me as her son, instilling in me a passion to one day help others the way she had been helped. Today, that passion fuels my work as Coach D, The Workforce Development Motivator.
For over two decades, I’ve been privileged to serve as a leader in the workforce development motivation space. During my days as a contractor, I created two programs that set a strong foundation for my career. Our HYPE (Helping Youth Pursue Excellence) program produced a staggering 90% graduation rate, empowering young people to complete school and pursue brighter futures. At the same time, our BASIC (Building and Sustaining Internal Change) program for adults helped 75% of participants secure employment, with just as many retaining their jobs for two years or more. These results were not accidental—they came from extensive follow-up systems, team development strategies, and innovative employer motivation processes. Those early successes continue to drive my passion for helping workforce organizations achieve transformational results today.
But as powerful as one month of recognition is, Workforce Development Month must be more than a time of celebration. It should be a catalyst—a moment to reset and reignite our efforts to empower staff, clients, and the communities we serve.
Here are a few strategies to make this month truly impactful:
· Empower Our Teams. Our professionals are on the front lines of change, but they are also under tremendous stress. Use this time to re-energize them through training, coaching, and motivation. A strong, inspired team creates stronger outcomes for clients.
· Prioritize Self-Care and Wellness. We cannot pour from an empty cup. Encourage staff to embrace self-care practices that build resilience and prevent burnout. When we care for the caregivers, clients benefit as well.
· Deepen Client Engagement. Workforce development is more than services—it’s about relationships. During this month, commit to listening more deeply, connecting more authentically, and inspiring clients to see their own potential.
· Celebrate and Share Success Stories. Stories of transformation fuel belief. By highlighting client victories, we remind our teams and communities why this work matters and what is possible.
As we honor Workforce Development Month, let’s make it a launching pad for renewed energy and vision. My mother’s journey reminds me that workforce development is not just about jobs—it’s about dignity, empowerment, and legacy. And my own journey—through decades of motivating staff, building programs, and seeing lives changed—proves that when we reset and re-ignite, remarkable transformation is possible.
Let’s not just mark the month—let’s make it a movement.
