DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces reopening of Phillips Landing boat ramp and parking lot

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that construction at the Phillips Landing boat ramp, parking lot, and fishing area is complete, and the area has reopened for public use.

For more information, please call the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 78


DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Phillips Landing parking lot and fishing area to remain closed additional day

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that the temporary closure of the Phillips Landing Boat Ramp parking lot and fishing area would be extended through Tuesday, March 26 to complete the repaving of the parking lot that has been delayed due to weather. The area was initially closed on Thursday, March 21 for the repaving project.

The parking lot repaving is one of the final steps in the expansion and upgrading of the boat ramp, which has been closed for construction since November.

The closest alternative location for shoreline fishing is the Edward R. Koch Fishing Access Area, located on Broad Creek near Bethel.

For more information on the Phillips Landing Boat Ramp closure, please call the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 64


DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife begins construction on new observation tower, boardwalk at Little Creek Wildlife Area

Visitor access limited in construction area until fall completion

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that construction of the new wildlife observation tower and associated boardwalk has begun on the Main Tract of the Little Creek Wildlife Area near Dover. The project will replace the existing wildlife observation tower and boardwalk with an upgraded, more accessible facility that will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities at this popular wildlife-watching location. Parking upgrades will also be made to benefit hunters, bird watchers, and other wildlife area visitors. Construction is scheduled for completion by October 2019, weather permitting.

During construction, a section of wildlife area roadway will be gated and closed to vehicles for safety and security reasons, and pedestrian access may also be limited during active construction. Other trails and areas on the wildlife area will remain open during construction.

The Little Creek Wildlife Area is located along the Route 9 Delaware Bayshore Byway. This project is funded in part by a Scenic Byway Grant through the Federal Highway Administration and DelDOT, along with matching state funds from the Delaware Bayshore Initiative.

For more information, please call 302-739-9912.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 54


DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announces temporary closure of Auburn Valley Trail beginning March 18

YORKLYN – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today that due to construction, the Auburn Valley Trail and parking lot in Auburn Valley State Park will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians beginning Monday, March 18.

The work is necessary to prepare for construction of new bridge abutments and new wetland construction on Farm Lane. The trail and parking lot are expected to be closed for approximately two months, depending on weather conditions.

Trail visitors are encouraged to use Yorklyn Bridge and Oversee Farm trails during the construction period.

For more information, contact Laura Lee, Park Superintendent, Auburn Valley State Park, at 302-729-4280.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 51


New Pre-Apprenticeship Program Begins

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. 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