WILMINGTON, DE – The Delaware Department of Labor will be celebrating the Fifth Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) with three open house events, one in each county throughout the state from 6 – 7 pm to showcase the value of apprenticeship in the community.

Secretary Cerron Cade from The Delaware Department of Labor will be attending Adult Education Apprenticeship Open House for legislators, employers, school leadership officials to engage with apprentices, educators, and one another to learn more about Delaware’s commitment to apprenticeships in various trades.

“Apprenticeship programs can provide paths into the middle class for Delaware workers and their families,” said Governor John Carney. “Delaware businesses that participate in apprenticeship programs help develop a strong local workforce and strengthen our economy. Thank you to the Delaware Department of Labor for highlighting the importance of apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week, and to all of the trades and businesses that offer these important training programs.”

 Learn how these “earn-while-you-learn” training programs make a difference in each county. There will be a mix of tours and recognition of achievement, and what is needed to expand apprenticeship in Delaware. Light refreshments will be served at each location.

 

EVENT DATES, LOCATIONS, AND TIMES

Tuesday, Nov 12th – New Castle County
Delcastle Technical High School
6:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.
1417 Newport Rd
Wilmington, DE 19804 

Wednesday, Nov. 13th – Sussex County
Sussex Technical High School
6:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.
17099 County Seat Hwy
Georgetown, DE 19947

Thursday, November 14th – Kent County
POLYTECH High School
6:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.
823 Walnut Shade Road
Woodside, DE 19980

 

 “The benefits of registered apprenticeship are substantial for Delaware job seekers and job creators.
This “earn and learn” model enables employers to fill open jobs, improve productivity and profitability, and reduce turnover while providing the Delaware workforce with pathways to start new careers and acquire the skills necessary for good jobs,” said Secretary of Labor, Cerron Cade.  

 

Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training, Office of Apprenticeship

Visit de.gov/apprenticeship or contact apprenticeship@delaware.gov and 302-761-8328 to learn more about the Delaware Apprenticeship Programs.

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that offers leaders in business, labor, education, and other critical partners a chance to express their support apprenticeships. NAW also allows apprenticeship partners to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community. The events highlight the benefits of preparing a highly-skilled workforce to meet the talent needs of job creators across diverse industries. For more information, visit http://apprenticeship.gov/NAW.

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Wilmington, DE February 26, 2019– Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training, Office of Apprenticeship and Training has developed a new Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program to complement its existing Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Office will approve the program providers and will post a list of qualified pre-apprenticeship programs on its website.

Being a part of a Pre-Apprenticeship program is ideal for individuals who lack experience or education, but want to build a solid foundation to start a successful career. As Delaware’s unemployment rate drops, disadvantaged and underrepresented populations will be at a greater risk of being left behind. Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities will allow these populations to gain the needed hard and soft skills for a successful career.

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs refer to a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Pre-Apprenticeship Programs are designed to:

1. 1. Create a qualified pipeline of individuals ready to become Registered Apprentices;
   2. Expand Registered Apprentices to include underrepresented participants such as non-traditional gender or race/ethnicity, disadvantaged populations, or low-skilled workers; and
   3. Recognize credit for related education or training.

“The creation of this program is another step that the Delaware Department of Labor is taking to assist populations that historically have had barriers to gain entry or advancement in the workforce,” said Stacey Laing, Director of the Division of Employment and Training. “This also provides another tool for businesses to tailor the workforce to better meet their needs.”

Registered Apprenticeship is an effective “earn while you learn” model with a long history of providing career ladders and pathways to the middle class, particularly for the building and construction industry but increasingly in other industries as well. In calendar year 2018, the average starting wage for an apprentice was $14.70/hour ($29,400/year), with wages upon completion averaging at $24.00/hour ($48,000/year). These results demonstrate the advantages a Registered Apprenticeship offers in providing both a significant wage gain and clear career path for entry-level workers.

Quality pre-apprenticeship programs can play a valuable role in preparing qualified entry-level workers for Registered Apprenticeship careers while contributing to the development of a diverse and skilled workforce. Through a variety of unique program designs and approaches, pre-apprenticeship programs can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse populations being trained, the various employers and sponsors they serve, and specific opportunities within the local labor market.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Policies and Procedures, and Application were released on February 15, 2019, and can be found on the website. For more information about the pre-apprenticeship program or how to become a recognized pre-apprenticeship program though the Delaware Office of Apprenticeship and Training, please email apprenticeship@delaware.gov or visit our website https://det.delawareworks.com/apprenticeship-and-training.php.

The Division of Employment and Training provides services enabling employers and job seekers to make informed employment and training choices leading to employment.

 

Contact: Jennifer Zeberkiewicz

Jennifer.zeberkiewicz@state.de.us

302-761-8002