Delaware DHR Hosts Successful Women’s History Month Panel on Workforce Development and Inclusive Policies

WILMINGTON, Del. – As a part of ongoing efforts to honor Women’s History Month, the Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR), in partnership with Delaware State University’s Division of Administrative Services and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, hosted a panel discussion yesterday focused on workforce development, inclusive policies, and the vital role women play in leadership.

Bringing together the current and former Delaware Secretaries of Labor, the interactive discussion explored strategies to strengthen talent pipelines, expand economic opportunities, and advance workplace equity. The panelists included:

LaKresha Moultrie, Esq. Delaware Department of Labor Secretary
Dr. Patrice Gilliam, Interim Provost & Chief Academic Officer, Delaware State University
Karryl Hubbard, Esq., Director of Constituent Services, U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester.
Moderator: Chonnie Blair, Founder & Principal Consultant of Chinwe Solutions.

Delaware’s U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, also a former Delaware Department of Labor Secretary, provided recorded remarks highlighting the importance of women in leadership and their contributions to the workforce and communities.

The panelists shared their perspectives on navigating leadership challenges, fostering public-private partnerships, and shaping policies that create equitable opportunities for Delaware’s workforce. They also highlighted the skills needed for the future job market, strategies for retaining top talent, and the importance of addressing barriers to workforce participation.

“We are grateful for the insights shared by our panelists today,” said Yvonne Anders Gordon, Delaware Department of Human Resources Secretary. “Their leadership and experiences leading one of Delaware’s most critical state agencies provided valuable guidance for shaping an equitable future for our workforce.”

“This event underscored our commitment to fostering inclusive policies and recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in leadership. Delaware State University, along with our partnering agencies, are paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for Delaware’s workforce and we want to continue to have these important conversations,” said Pamela Mosley Gresham and Francine Edwards, co-chairs of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at Delaware State University.

The dialogue underscored the need for organizations to engage youth early through internships and apprenticeships in alignment with Governor Meyer’s Executive Order #1, which prioritizes expanding youth apprenticeships and earn-and-learn opportunities. Panelists also explored strategies for supporting small businesses, balancing economic growth with worker protections, and preparing Delaware for emerging industries like green energy and artificial intelligence.

Additional event partners included:

ACLU of Delaware
Delaware Historical Society – Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
Delaware River & Bay Authority
Delaware Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy
Delaware Department of Labor Local Diversity Council

Event photos are available on DHR’s Flickr page.

DHR remains committed to advancing a workplace culture that embraces diverse perspectives, ensures fair treatment, and promotes an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered.

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Governor Carney Proclaims November 17-23 as Delaware Apprenticeship Week

Dover, DE—The Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training announces the recognition and celebration of the U.S. Department of Labor’s 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) by proclaiming November 17-23, 2024, Delaware Apprenticeship Week.

NAW is a nationwide celebration where employers, apprentices and graduates, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and Local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity.

“I’m proud of the work our state has done to support registered apprenticeships and provide career paths for Delaware workers,” said Governor John Carney. “We know how important good paying jobs are for families in the First State. Registered apprenticeships play a big part in securing those employment opportunities. Thank you to the Delaware businesses that participate in our apprenticeship programs for helping to develop a strong, local workforce.”

“The Delaware Department of Labor is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week,” said Delaware labor Secretary Karryl Hubbard. “Apprenticeships are an important tool in helping to change the lives of young people seeking to enter skilled trades and other work apprentice-able occupations. With an apprenticeship experience, future employees can bring much needed technical skills to jobs that will help the Delaware economy thrive.”

“Registered Apprenticeship plays a vital role in the development of a highly skilled and trained workforce system in Delaware,” said Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training Director, Richard Fernandes. “We look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week this year while showcasing the impact apprenticeships have on recruiting, building, and retaining an industry-driven high-quality workforce.”

The theme for NAW 2024 is National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Celebrating 10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation. Since NAW’s inception in 2014, Registered Apprenticeship has gained increased recognition as a tool to create the highly skilled workforce necessary to modernize our country’s infrastructure, build clean energy technologies, address cybersecurity threats, and build a stronger care economy, while also creating essential on-ramps for job seekers to enter into robust career pathways.

Dept. of Labor Announces New Apprenticeship Pathway to College Credit for Delaware’s Vocational Workforce

WILMINGTON, Del. (May 9, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) announces a new initiative to provide individuals in select registered apprenticeship programs with the opportunity to earn up to 42 college credits toward a bachelor’s degree at Wilmington University (WilmU). Individuals will be eligible for enrollment upon completion of their apprenticeship program.  

The new Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path™) for the Vocational Workforce is a unique pathway for Delaware apprenticeship graduates to use their vocational time and experience toward college credit without having to start over. It applies to high school graduates who are just beginning a registered apprenticeship program, those already active in a registered apprenticeship, those with past apprenticeships in a registered program, and journey people who seek the career benefits of a college degree.

The program is relevant for all past and current apprenticeship graduates. The academic credits earned may also be applied to additional WilmU programs that relate to technical instruction and apprenticeship programs.  

“We are excited to partner with Wilmington University on this important educational initiative,” said DOL Secretary Karryl Hubbard. “The STEP Path program is a great way to allow those who chose to obtain training through apprenticeship an opportunity to also obtain college credits towards a degree.”

In addition to those actively participating in apprenticeship programs, employers can leverage this opportunity with employees to help retain existing talent. Higher education can lead to promotions and higher income. Existing Journey persons can take advantage of this program by applying to WilmU and have their experience and job training evaluated to determine the level of academic credit and cost savings toward a career-relevant degree.

“Partnering with the Delaware Department of Labor for the STEP Path™ for the Vocational Workforce program aligns with our commitment to preparing diverse students to succeed in high-demand, trade-oriented careers,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “We look forward to welcoming high school and vocational-technical students, as well as adults navigating their apprenticeship journeys.”

High school and vocational-technical students who are considering a DOL-registered apprenticeship program after graduation can talk with their school counselors for details and reach out to the Department of Labor regarding apprenticeship programs. Adults who are looking to start or finish an apprenticeship should also contact the Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. 

“Registered apprenticeship programs are vital to the expansion of opportunities for young people to pursue careers in the building trades and other industries,” said Jazelle Plummer, Apprenticeship & Training Manager for DOL’s Division of Employment Training.”

To view an introductory video and learn more about the new STEP Path for the Vocational Workforce, visit www.wilmu.edu/trades or www.labor.delaware.gov/apprenticeship 

STEP Path is a registered trademark of Wilmington University.

Departments of Labor & Education Team with Jobs for the Future to Celebrate National Youth Apprenticeship Week

May 6, 2024 Press Release WILMINGTON, Delaware – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL), the Delaware Department of Education, Career and Technical Education (DOE) and Jobs for the Future (JFF) are teaming up with Delaware Gov. John Carney to celebrate the first-ever National Youth Apprenticeship Week in support of advancing job opportunities for young people across the state.

Youth Apprenticeship Week, May 5 – May 11, 2024, will serve to highlight the benefits and value of Registered Apprenticeship programs for young people between the ages of 16 and 24 looking at skilled trades and other industries as potential careers.

To bring greater awareness and acknowledge the powerful impact of Registered Apprenticeships for youth in Delaware, Gov. Carney has signed a proclamation to celebrate raising awareness of the vital role that apprenticeships play in providing opportunities to learn and earn on the pathway to good quality jobs and well- paying careers.

Apprenticeship programs offer young people practical career training, resources, and instruction, as well as a real opportunity to earn competitive and often life-changing wages while learning on the job. While wages can vary by trade, the average entry-level wage as an apprentice is $17.30 and upon completion of a program, the average entry-level journeyperson earns $24. Some can also earn college credit towards relevant degrees at accredited colleges and universities.

As stated in the proclamation, Governor Carney and Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long urge all business leaders, educators, families, and young people to learn more about the opportunities that youth apprenticeship programs provide and encourage the development and expansion of youth Registered Apprenticeship in the State of Delaware.

The Delaware Youth Apprenticeship program is a national leader in helping to develop pathways to career success for young people seeking employment experience.

In Delaware and the rest of the country, it is important to note that graduates of Registered Apprenticeship programs receive a nationally recognized credential that recognizes the recipient as being fully qualified for specific trades jobs. In addition, many industries and employers across the nation accept this credential as proof of competence in a particular field or industry.

To date, the state’s Registered Apprentice program has helped more than 750 young people by providing them with a path to family-sustaining wages. Leadership at both agencies have praised the efforts of the program.

“The Delaware Youth Apprenticeship program is a wonderful way to connect young people to jobs in our state,” said DOL Secretary Karryl Hubbard. “Our partnership with the Department of Education is an example of the collaboration needed to help young people start their careers and contribute to the betterment of Delaware’s economy.”

“When the state launched the work under this grant four years ago, the goal was to support the enrollment of 400 youth in the State Registered Apprenticeship system in the occupations of construction, hospitality, and information technology industries. Instead, we have helped 750. I’m proud of the educators, partners, students and families who have made this such a success. This is exactly the type of opportunity our students and our employers in Delaware need, ” said Dr. Mark A. Holodick, Secretary of Education, Delaware Department of Education.

As part of the National Youth Apprenticeship Week celebrations, DOL and DOE are partnering at an event entitled Celebrating the Future: Delaware Youth Apprenticeship on May 10, 2024. Delaware state House and Senate representatives, business, labor, and education leaders will join some of the Apprentices and their families at the celebration.

“We are focused on building a sustainable pipeline of skilled and diverse talent to meet industry needs. Engaging youth in this process is an essential part in providing pathways to well-paying Registered Apprenticeships opportunities,” said Richard Fernandes, Director of the Division of Employment and Training at DOL. “Our youth represent the future of Delaware and through the Registered Apprenticeships program, they will be instrumental in shaping Delaware’s workforce and economy.”

The 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. The department is made up of four main divisions: Unemployment Insurance, Employment & Training, Industrial Affairs, and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Delaware Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy Releases Report on Delaware Women in Construction Trades

WILMINGTON, Del —The Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a Division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Departments of Labor and Education, released a new report titled- Delaware Women in the Construction Trades: A Path to Economic Security. The report examines the current state of women working in the construction trades and offers concrete solutions for how to increase the number of women participating in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated industries.

The significance of the report is made clear in the face of a looming labor shortage in Delaware’s construction industry with 55% of construction contractors reporting difficulty finding skilled workers in the second quarter of 2022. According to the report, women in Delaware’s construction industry currently make up 9.3% of the total industry, including administrative and sales roles. However, Delaware women represent just 3% of construction and extraction occupations such as plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.

“Increasing the number of Delaware women in construction trades is a win-win for both Delaware families and construction employers,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy. “Delaware women need jobs that have family-sustaining wages, and Delaware construction employers desperately need more skilled talent. This report outlines concrete steps Delaware can take to open construction trades to women of today and girls looking for careers tomorrow.”

The report also pays close attention to the role apprenticeship programs can have in addressing the small number of women working in the construction trades. Several recommendations from the report focus on ways to expand apprenticeship opportunities for women who may be considering a trade, as well as ways to increase support for women already working in the industry.

“Post pandemic, both employers and workers face new workforce dynamics that we all must work together to address,” said Karryl Hubbard, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Delaware has more job openings than those looking for work and if Delaware is to remain competitive, all of us need to be at the table developing solutions, including promoting programs designed to reach women and others that have historically been on the outside looking in when it comes to skilled trades.”

OWAA is working with the Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) to highlight specific programming available to job seekers – particularly women – through Registered Apprenticeships and other training programs that DOL champions.

To view the report, visit: de.gov/TradesReport

MEDIA CONTACT: Karen Smith, Department of Human Resources
Karen.M.Smith@delaware.gov