September is Workforce Development Month, and if you’re in the trenches—running programs, supporting job seekers, or managing partnerships—this is your moment. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) started this annual event to spotlight the people and systems that help close the skilled labor gap. With over 10 million unfilled jobs in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and construction, the stakes are real. Workforce development isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of a stronger economy.
Workforce Development Month: Why It Matters
Workforce Development Month is about raising awareness, building partnerships, and celebrating the impact of workforce programs. NAWDP’s toolkit is packed with resources: media pitch templates, press release guides, sample social posts, and tips for engaging elected officials. The toolkit makes it easy for organizations to promote their efforts, connect with the media, and get their message out in a way that lands. Whether you want to run an open house, write a letter to the editor, or get your local officials involved, the toolkit has step-by-step instructions and ready-to-use templates to help you make the most of September.
What Works: Success Stories and Real Impact
NAWDP highlights Workforce Development Heroes every year—people who go above and beyond to connect job seekers with opportunities, support career pathways, and build community partnerships. These stories aren’t just feel-good moments; they show what’s possible when systems work together. Take the story of William Bivens Jr. from CobbWorks PowerUp! Aircraft Structures/Assembler Pre-Apprenticeship Program. William, a disabled veteran, struggled to find direction after finishing an audio production certification. Thanks to the PowerUp! program, he enrolled in hands-on aviation training, passed all his exams, and landed a full-time job at Lockheed Martin—a dream he never thought possible. His story is proof that when workforce programs, employers, and educators team up, lives change and new career paths open up.
The Pain Points: Why Most Workforce Campaigns Stall
Let’s be honest. Most workforce programs run into the same problems: manual tracking, compliance headaches, and disconnected systems. You’re juggling spreadsheets, emails, and paperwork—trying to prove outcomes to funders and regulators. When you’re busy managing placements and tracking progress by hand, it’s tough to show what’s working. And that matters, because good data and clear stories unlock funding, drive policy, and keep programs growing.
Simple Tools for Workforce Programs
Here’s where technology can make a difference. Tracking outcomes, progress, and compliance—especially during Workforce Development Month—isn’t just a box to check. It’s how you prove impact, share success, and stay audit-ready. If you’re tired of the admin overload, Craft Connect is a free option that streamlines registration, reporting, and evidence tracking for apprenticeship, CTE, and workforce programs. It’s built for busy teams who want to focus on people, not paperwork. With features like audit-ready records, role-based dashboards, and easy onboarding, Craft helps programs show what’s working and keep learners moving forward.
How To Run a Successful WDM Campaign
So, how do you make the most of Workforce Development Month? Start with the basics: plan your messaging, use NAWDP’s toolkit and templates for media and social posts, and get your partners and participants involved. Host events, share stories, and raise awareness—whether you’re a workforce board, training provider, or employer. NAWDP’s toolkit gives you everything you need to get started, including sample posts for LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, tips for accessible social media, and even a calendar for your email campaign. Most importantly, keep track of your engagement and outcomes. You can do this with a simple spreadsheet, but if you want to save time and keep things organized, a platform like Craft can help you track everything in one place.
Why It Matters (All Year)
Workforce Development Month is a great excuse to celebrate, but the work doesn’t stop at the end of September. Building partnerships, unlocking funding, and making learning visible are year-round goals. When you combine strong stories with solid data, you’re not just helping job seekers and employers—you’re making sure workforce development stays front and center in your community.
Wrapping Up: Next Steps
Download NAWDP’s toolkit, check out free tools for tracking (like Craft), and get your team ready for Workforce Development Month. Share your story, connect with others, and keep the momentum going beyond September.
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