As the workforce landscape continues to evolve globally, the 2025 NAWDP Annual Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA (May 5–7) is a timely convergence of ideas, practical solutions, and inspirational leadership in workforce development.
For those focused on youth employment, apprenticeships, career pathways, entrepreneurship, and innovative job programs, this year’s NAWDP lineup is packed with learning opportunities, thought leadership, and new approaches. With Career BluePrint and Workforce BluePrint’s continued focus on strategic workforce development — including our signature Growth Hacks — NAWDP 2025 offers a fresh international perspective, global benchmarking, and practical takeaways.
Why NAWDP Matters for Youth and Career-Focused Practitioners
The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) hosts this annual event to bring together workforce professionals from across the United States and beyond. The 2025 theme centres on “Shaping the Future of Workforce,” covering practical strategies in five key tracks:
- Career Pathways
- Youth Engagement
- Innovative Programming
- Leadership Development
- Business Solutions and Partnerships
Spotlight on Apprenticeships and Entry Pathways
Several sessions are directly focused on apprenticeships and skills-based employment strategies for young people. These include innovative apprenticeship models designed to plug real workforce gaps, sector-specific earn-and-learn programs, and how local employers in the U.S. are embedding workforce readiness skills into secondary and post-secondary education.
Australia’s well-established approach to apprenticeships — including school-based apprenticeships and integration with VET systems — aligns well with NAWDP’s exploration of new delivery models and employer engagement practices. Attendees can expect detailed sessions and panels focused on scaling apprenticeship programs, building employer partnerships, and mapping talent pipelines.
Entrepreneurship as a Career Choice
In today’s world, young people aren’t just preparing for jobs — they’re creating them. A strong emphasis at NAWDP 2025 is on entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Wendy Perry, Managing Director of Workforce BluePrint and founder of Career BluePrint, will present in a global session on entrepreneurship, community building, and scaling business opportunities for youth and regional ecosystems.
You can preview Wendy’s talk and hear from other dynamic speakers at NAWDP’s official speaker video page.
Career BluePrint’s Growth Hacks for Young Entrepreneurs – delivered in person and online – take a practical, fast-paced approach to helping young founders test ideas, develop viable business models, and connect with mentors and market opportunities. The insights from NAWDP will strengthen and globalise this approach.
Careers and Jobs of the Future
With sessions on AI in recruitment, labour market forecasting, and employer-aligned career development strategies, the conference will help professionals and educators understand emerging skills needs and how to best support young people into long-term, fulfilling work.
There are also discussions on how local workforce boards and community colleges in the U.S. are partnering with industry on job guarantees, bootcamps, and hybrid learning experiences – offering compelling parallels and inspiration for workforce strategists back in Australia.
Youth Engagement and Equity
Expect practical sessions on how to engage disconnected youth, foster resilience, and build inclusive career pathways for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, rural and regional areas, and those facing systemic barriers. These themes are echoed in the Career BluePrint commitment to equity through tailored career programs and support structures.
Exhibitors and Sponsors You Should Meet
A key part of NAWDP is the networking and exhibition space. With more than 60 sponsors and exhibitors, attendees will connect with organisations offering workforce technology, digital learning platforms, job placement services, and program funding tools.
Relevant exhibitors for Career BluePrint followers include:
- Indeed – showcasing job-matching AI tools and employer insights
- CompTIA – offering digital skills certifications for young tech talent
- Metrix Learning – e-learning and job readiness solutions
- NS4ed – career navigation software aligned to industry sectors
Full list: NAWDP 2025 Exhibitors via Whova
Going Global, Staying Grounded
NAWDP 2025 is a chance to share Australian strategies on career readiness, learn from workforce innovations abroad, and amplify the impact of initiatives like Growth Hacks and AI-powered career planning tools.
Whether you’re a workforce professional, career coach, youth mentor, or policy maker — NAWDP 2025 will spark new ideas, partnerships, and programs that support real career outcomes for the next generation.
Stay updated via NAWDP on LinkedIn and follow our journey from Virginia Beach as we bring back insights for implementation in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region.