Delaware Department of Labor receives $9,193,902 from the H1B One Workforce Grant to provide more economic growth opportunities in the IT Industry.
WILMINGTON, DE – The Delaware Department of Labor (DE DOL) works with partners in the Information Technology (IT) sector to build pathways through educational, training, and work-based learning opportunities for Delaware citizens who are unemployed, underemployed, disabled, veterans and their spouses (including those veterans transitioning out of the U.S. Armed Forces), young adults ages 18-26, underrepresented women, People of Color, or citizens reentering the workforce as ex-offenders to prepare for jobs and connect with employers in the IT field.
Why did the State of Delaware apply for the H1B One Workforce Grant? According to available information about Delaware job posting analytics from August 2019 and July 2020, there was a monthly average of over 4,000 job postings for IT opportunities and over 450 hires per month in IT. From 2014-2019, IT occupations grew in the state by over 12%, compared with an overall occupation growth rate of 7%. Furthermore, the H1B One Workforce Grant will serve over 700 customers interested in obtaining a skill and earn credentials to prepare them to enter mid to high-level occupations in the IT field. Awarded credentials include but are not limited to Industry Recognized Credentials, Certifications, Apprenticeship Journeyperson Papers, Degrees or Diplomas, etc.
Tech Impact and Delaware State University partnered with DE DOL. These organizations have been working together to help underrepresented communities and build a system that recruits, and identifies training partners, and interfaces with a newly developed IT Industry Council to meet the in-demand IT occupations (security, developers, applications, analysts, administrators, programmers, technicians, etc).
“The Delaware Department of Labor is excited to be a partner in the development of a career pipeline that produces a qualified work-force within an in-demand industry. The training and the re-employment of workers impacted by COVID-19, will help to get Delawareans back to work,” says, Karryl Hubbard, Secretary of Labor.
“We are excited to work alongside the Delaware Department of Labor and Delaware State University to continue developing an inclusive tech talent pipeline for the citizens of Delaware,” stated Patrick Callihan, Executive Director of nonprofit Tech Impact. “Delaware is already a national leader in developing a diverse workforce in technology, and this grant will enable us to collectively provide increased access to high wage careers, meet the growing demands of our employers, and attract new economic development opportunities for the state.”
Saundra DeLauder, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Delaware State University noted, “Our institution has a proud legacy of providing access and opportunity for first generation and underserved populations. This opportunity aligns with the priorities of our School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies under the leadership of Dean Patrice Gilliam-Johnson and we look forward to working with our partners in expanding workforce opportunities for our citizens.”
The Delaware Department of Labor has partnered with the following employers: Marlette Funding (FinTech/IT), CAI (IT), WSFS (Financial), SSD Technology Partners (IT), Brandywine Technology (IT).
Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections, and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice, and a strong economy.
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Media Contact
Ken Briscoe
Communications Coordinator
Department of Labor
kenneth.briscoe@delaware.gov