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

Minimum Wage increases January 1st
Wilmington, DE. December 18, 2018– Minimum wage will be increasing for most individuals in Delaware twice in 2019. On January 1, it will be $8.75 and then on October 1, it will be $9.25.

But, for the first time in Delaware history, we will now have a multi-tiered minimum wage. The General Assembly adopted a “Youth Rate” and a “Training Rate” that is $8.25. The youth rate applies to workers ages 14 through 17. The training rate applies to adult workers during their first ninety days on a new job. These new categories are $.50 less than the regular minimum wage rate. Effectively, that means workers under 18 and new employees with less than 90 days on the job won’t see an increase on January 1st. Their first increase ($8.75) will come when they become eligible for the regular rate or on October 1, 2019, with the next general increase, whichever comes first.

The labor law poster sets out all the rates. It is required to be displayed in all workplaces in a place accessible to employees and where they regularly pass. The poster is available on the Department of Labor’s website and can be downloaded in English here and Spanish. https://dol.delaware.gov/

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. Any issues regarding wages should be directed to the Delaware Department of Labor Division of Industrial Affairs.

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Contact: Jennifer Zeberkiewicz
Jennifer.zeberkiewicz@delaware.gov
302-761-8002

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate’s confirmation of Cerron Cade to serve as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor:

“Cerron has the knowledge and experience necessary to take on this important role, and I want to thank members of the Delaware Senate for their vote of confidence in confirming his nomination. The Department of Labor’s work connecting Delawareans with job training and workforce development programs has never been more important. Cerron understands the needs of Delaware businesses from his time at the Delaware’s Small Business Division and, before that, at the Delaware Economic Development Office. Cerron has a proven ability to lead, and I’m confident that his experience will serve Delaware taxpayers and workers well.”

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Governor Carney nominated Cerron Cade as Secretary of Labor earlier this month.

Last year, as Acting Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO), Cade managed the dissolution of DEDO and the creation of the new Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism within the Delaware Department of State. Currently, he serves as the Division’s Director, leading a team responsible for providing key services to Delaware businesses, administration of the Delaware Strategic Fund, and marketing Delaware as a premier tourist destination.

During his time at DEDO and the newly-created division, Cade has led the state’s efforts to attract businesses and good-paying jobs to Delaware, keep them here, and ensure that Delaware remains a leading state for businesses to grow and thrive. If confirmed by members of the Delaware Senate, he will bring that experience to the Department of Labor, where he will lead state efforts to connect Delaware businesses with talented workers, and develop relevant workforce development and training programs.

Cade grew up in Washington D.C. and moved to Delaware to study Political Science and Law Studies at Delaware State University. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact and following his passion for public service, Cade has worked as a Legislative Aide for the Delaware State House of Representatives, New Castle County Deputy County Director for U.S. Senator Tom Carper and State Projects Director for then-Congressman John Carney.

Cade joined Governor Jack Markell’s staff as Legislative Liaison in 2015. Last summer, Governor Carney appointed Cade to serve as DEDO’s Acting Director to lead the office’s transition, where he previously served as Deputy Director.

Cade lives in Wilmington with his wife, Kasmira, and two daughters, Jonnie and Toni.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 30, 2017

Newark, DE – Due to construction activity at the site, the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training office has temporarily closed its Hudson State Service Center and relocated the operation to the agency’s Pencader Corporate Center.

Effective June 1 and until further notice, the team from the Hudson office will be operating out of the Employment and Training facility off of DE-896 in Newark.

While no specific date for moving back to the Hudson State Service Center has been set, the move is expected to last some three weeks.

The Pencader Corporate Center address is:

225 Corporate Blvd, suite 211

Newark, DE 19702

Members of the public can continue contacting the staff from the Hudson office 302-451-3466.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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 divisions:

Division of Unemployment Insurance

Division of Industrial Affairs

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information

The combined efforts of these divisions and offices support the employment-related needs of nearly 400,000 Delaware workers and more than 20,000 businesses throughout the state.

CONTACT:

Leon Tucker, Director of Communications

Delaware Department of Labor

302.761.8002 office

302.530.5770 Cell

Leon.Tucker@delaware.gov

http://dol.delaware.gov/

DOVER – More than 200 representatives from state and community agencies focused on assisting Delawareans navigate the challenging and sometimes harrowing experience of becoming gainfully employed will come together this week to further strategize on enhancing their collaborative efforts to serve their customers.

The One-Stop Partner Convening provides an opportunity for front-line staff to continue to learn about the resources currently available to job seekers and employers. This One-Stop Partner system brings together workforce development, education and other human resource services in order to improve long-term employment outcomes for Delaware citizens and ensures employers have a skilled workforce.

“This one-stop system has gone a long way toward helping the Delaware Department of Labor provide our residents with the kind of support that goes beyond just landing a job,” said Secretary Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson. “Often times people looking for work are faced with other challenges that presents the need for access to other services such as finance management, temporary public assistance, adult education and the like.”

“It is important we ensure this cross collaboration remains strong,” she added, “which is why the annual convening is critical.”

The One-Stop Partner Convening is in its second year is and part of a larger effort by the Delaware Workforce Development Board to realign services with the changing workforce requirements.

“This event is another example of how Delaware agencies are working together to make a difference in the lives of Delawareans across our state. We are all committed to helping all Delawareans build the skills necessary to compete and succeed in today’s economy,” said Governor John Carney. “This one-stop concept helps take our delivery of these services to the next level.”

Most of the participants at the May 17^th event will be state employees from a variety of agencies that provide career or supportive services to Delawareans to assist them to reach their career goals, said Bill Potter, Executive Director of the Delaware Workforce Development Board.

“The one-stop system brings together workforce development, educational, and other human resource services in a seamless customer-focused service delivery network that enhances access to the programs’ services and improves long-term employment outcomes for individuals receiving assistance,” he said. “One-stop partners administer separately funded programs as a set of integrated streamlined services to customers.”

Employment and financial empowerment are closely linked said Mary Dupont, Director of Financial Empowerment at $tand By Me.

“$tand By Me is pleased to be a One Stop partner because our goal is to ensure that everyone in Delaware has access to personal financial coaching, especially when they are going through life transitions,” said Dupont. “Having someone in your corner who you can trust and who will support you as you wrestle with financial changes can reduce stress and help people dealing with job changes to feel more in control of their finances.”

Since lifelong learning is a 21^st century requirement for all those in the workplace, Adult Education, as part of this One Stop System, will teach the information and skills necessary to get and keep good paying jobs that support Delaware’s economy.

“Simultaneously, Adult Ed will help parents to support their children’s success in school because we live for the moment but must also grow the future,” said Maureen Whelan, Director of the Delaware Department of Education’s division of Adult and Prison Education Resources. “This convening brings front line staff from all of the partners together to learn, to discuss, to make the system better because it is a meeting of the minds, the spirits and the energies of many focused on the common goal of meeting Delaware’s employment needs.”

Included in the one-stop system is the DOL Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which also works to support people with disabilities who experience barriers to employment. Individualized plans for employment are crafted between counselors and customers using services such as:

• Assessment
• Post-secondary training
• Pre-employment career counseling services for students and sheltered workshop employees
• Assistive technology
• Counseling, coaching and guidance support
• Placement, resume writing and interviewing care
• Benefits counseling
• Pardon and expungement provisions
• Transportation support

For a list of One-Stop Partners visit https://det.delawareworks.com/one-stop-system/System%20Partners.php

What: Delaware Workforce Development Board One-Stop Convening

When: Wednesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m

Where: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

ABOUT THE DELAWARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

The Delaware Workforce Development Board is the Governor’s appointed board established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.  The majority of its members represent local employers.  They are responsible for many tasks but overall provide guidance and accountability for the state’s workforce system.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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.

Leon Tucker, Director of Communications

Delaware Department of Labor

302.761.8002 office

302.530.5770 Cell

Leon.Tucker@delaware.gov

http://dol.delaware.gov/