2026-2027 ATI: Next-Level Mastery
“Empowering People, Strengthening Communities, Transforming Workforce
Systems”
Join the all-new ATI program that launches this fall at the AFOP National Conference!
ATI is a year-long training course for AFOP member staff who want to learn, be encouraged, and excel in their jobs.
Everyone needs a coach, including AFOP! That’s why AFOP is continuing its partnership with Darrell “Coach D” Andrews as ATI instructor for 2026-2027.
Coach D will build on AFOP’s previous credentialing experience, narrowing his focus and offering deeper dives in the following areas. Scroll down for more information on each track:
- Workforce Development: Client Connections 2.0
- Professional Development: Leadership 2.0
Below is the training schedule:
- September 2026: A kick-off training at the AFOP 2026 National Conference that will provide an orientation and educational content in either workforce development or professional development
- October 2026 – August 2027:
- Monthly live interactive training sessions
- Real-world practical application exercises
- Participant discussions and collaboration
- Guest experts and industry thought leaders where appropriate
- Recorded access for participants unable to attend live
- Downloadable handouts and digital resources
- Recommended reading and multimedia resources
- A certificate in Workforce Development and/or Professional Development
- September 2027: an in-person wrap-up session and certification ceremony that recognizes each participant’s achievement in the ATI program.
ATI CERTIFICATION – OFFERING TWO TRACKS!
Workforce Development: Client Connections 2.0
This track focuses on direct workforce development competencies and participant-centered service delivery.
Participants will achieve the following learning objectives:
- Strengthen participant coaching and engagement skills
- Improve workforce readiness and career coaching strategies
- Build stronger employer and community partnerships
- Learn innovative approaches to serving farmworker populations
- Increase effectiveness in participant retention and follow-up
- Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive service models
Featured Workshops:
| Career Coaching and Workforce Readiness
Trauma-Informed Workforce Development Employer Partnerships and Job Development Human-Centric A.I. |
Financial Literacy and Participant Stability
Customer Centricity Workforce Case Management Excellence Adult Education, ESL, and Learning Support Strategies |
Apprenticeship and Earn-and-Learn Workforce Models
Workforce Development Storytelling Participant Retention and Long-Term Success Strategies Human-Centered Workforce Systems and Participant Engagement |
See full course catalogue here
Watch this video to learn what’s in store for 2026-2027! ⬇
Professional Development: Leadership 2.0
This track focuses on strengthening leadership capacity, communication, organizational effectiveness, emotional intelligence, and professional excellence.
Participants will achieve the following learning objectives:
- Increase leadership confidence and effectiveness
- Improve communication and presentation abilities
- Strengthen emotional intelligence and workplace collaboration
- Develop systems for productivity and performance management
- Learn practical self-care and resiliency strategies
- Build stronger community and stakeholder relationships
Featured Workshops:
| Motivational Leadership for Workforce Professionals
Public Speaking and Professional Communication Emotional Intelligence II Self-Care, Burnout Prevention, and Resilience |
Project Management Systems
Social Media and Outreach Professional Relationships Organizational Adaptability |
Building Strategic Partnerships and Community Collaboration
Story Telling Inclusive Leadership Professional Branding and Organizational Representation |
See full course catalogue here
Watch this video to learn what’s in store for 2026-2027! ⬇
With his dynamic expertise, Coach D has spent over 20 years transforming companies and organizations. As a former top-performing sales and marketing agent at Abbott Laboratories, he has become a leading authority in Empowering Self-Care Systems, Core Values, and Post-Pandemic Leadership Coaching. His visionary leadership drives innovation, motivating teams and executives through powerful live and virtual speaking and training experiences.
Coach D is a nationally acclaimed speaker and consultant who stands out as a true industry leader. With a proven track record of transforming thousands of corporations, workforce development organizations, and schools/districts, he is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at top conferences, inspiring audiences with groundbreaking insights on innovation and motivation.
About Darrell Andrews LLC & Associates
For over 20 years, Darrell Andrews & Associates has been transforming organizations worldwide through high-impact motivational speaking, training, and coaching. From Fortune 500 companies and small businesses to workforce development agencies, schools (students and educators), and nonprofits, they help teams elevate performance, engagement, and culture. They don’t just deliver inspiring programs or events—they build long-term systems for success.