Delaware Dept. of Labor, Vo-Techs Host Adult Education Apprenticeship Open House for National Apprenticeship Week

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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Delaware FFA members take home state awards

Students from across the state took home honors during the 100th Delaware State Fair in Harrington last week.

 

The list of the members’ accomplishments is available here.

 

Nearly 300 students, advisors, and judges representing business and industry throughout the state participated in state career and leadership development events during the Delaware State Fair. Members demonstrated professionalism, leadership and skill attainment in 23 events.

 

The Delaware FFA Association is a career and technical student organization that is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the Delaware FFA Association, please contact Bart Gill by phone at (302) 857-4019 or by email at bart.gill@doe.k12.de.us.

 

Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

 


Delaware TSA students bring home awards from national conference

Top state medalists represented Delaware at the National Technology Student Association’s (TSA) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference held at the National Harbor, Maryland Friday through Tuesday.  Students competed in high technology and in leadership contests such as computer-aided design; dragster design; engineering, inventions & innovations; leadership strategies; manufacturing prototype; medical technology; on-demand video; promotional graphics; structural engineering; system control technology; video game design; robotics, website design and more. The conference was the largest in the organizations history, with more than 8,500 individuals in attendance from through the country and world. It was also the largest national attendance in Delaware TSA history with 147 participants.

 

Highlights include:

  • Apuroop Mutyala of MOT Charter School elected to serve as Vice-President of National TSA
  • Delaware students earned 14 top 10 national honors
  • Kathy Sheehy of Dickinson High School (Red Clay Consolidated School District) awarded Chapter Advisor of the Year
  • Stephen Lee of PS duPont Middle School (Brandywine School District) awarded Chapter Advisor of the Year
  • Postlethwait Middle School (Caesar Rodney School District) honored with Legacy Chapter of Excellence award

 

Results:

 

Place                    Contest                                                           School

2nd Place               STEM Animation                                            Cab Calloway School of the Arts Middle School (Red Clay)

3rd Place               Challenging Technology Issues                      Postlethwait Middle School (Caesar Rodney)

3rd Place               Digital Photography                                        Postlethwait Middle School

3rd Place               Leap Legacy Chapter of Excellence Award     Postlethwait Middle School

4th Place               Forensics Technology                                     Newark Charter Jr/Sr High School (Charter)

4th Place               Children’s Stories                                           Postlethwait Middle School

4th Place               Prepared Presentation                                   MOT Charter School (Charter)

6th Place               Leadership Strategies                                     Cab Calloway School of the Arts Middle School

7th Place               System Control Technology                           Caesar Rodney High School (Caesar Rodney)

7th Place               Webmaster                                                     Caesar Rodney High School

8th Place               Digital Video Production                                Caesar Rodney High School

8th Place               Promotional Marketing                                  Cab Calloway School of the Arts Middle School

9th Place               Debating Technology                                     MOT Charter School

10th Place             Extemporaneous Speech                               Cab Calloway School of the Arts High School

 

Participating Schools (Districts):

  • Alexis I. duPont High School (Red Clay)
  • Bayard Middle School (Christina)
  • Cab Calloway School Of The Arts High School (Red Clay)
  • Cab Calloway School Of The Arts Middle School (Red Clay)
  • Caesar Rodney High School (Caesar Rodney)
  • Fifer Middle School (Caesar Rodney)
  • H.B. duPont Middle School (Red Clay)
  • Henry C. Conrad Schools of Science (Red Clay)
  • Milford Central Academy (Milford)
  • MOT Charter School (Charter)
  • Newark Charter High School (Charter)
  • Newark Charter Jr. High School (Charter)
  • Postlethwait Middle School (Caesar Rodney)
  • Selbyville Middle School (Indian River)
  • Sussex Central High School (Indian River)

 

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) dedicated to students interested in the future of invention, innovation, engineering, and technology. Through TSA, members have the opportunity to participate in technology-focused competitive events, take part in community service work, and become leaders for the organization in their school, state, and at the national level. TSA incorporates curricular and co-curricular experiences to emphasize the importance of knowledge, leadership, skill development, and teamwork. To learn more about Delaware TSA, please contact Mike Fitzgerald by phone at: (302) 735-4015 or by email at: Mike.Fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us


Delaware Pathways Receives $3.25 Million Grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to Prepare Students for High-Demand Jobs

Pathways provides high school and postsecondary students with the opportunity to gain work-based learning experiences for in-demand careers

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced a $3.25 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to expand access to economic opportunity for Delaware students. Funding will help bolster the Delaware Pathways program, which provides high school and postsecondary students with the opportunity to gain work-based learning experiences for in-demand careers as well as earn industry credentials and early college credits.

Economists forecast that Delaware will hire or replace 30 percent of its workforce in the next six years. Delaware Pathways, which represents a partnership between Governor Carney’s office, the K-12 education system, higher education, nonprofits, the Department of Labor, and a host of other public and private leaders, aims to tackle that issue by providing students with career exploration, real-world training, and robust postsecondary preparation.

“Thanks to Pathways, education and workforce programs are designed to help young people take active steps to pursue continuing education and competitive employment,” said Governor Carney. “This generous grant will help Delaware continue its focus on in-demand occupations and where there is the greatest potential for our students to enter the workforce in middle- and high-skill occupations.”

The grant, which was announced Friday at the Fourth Annual Delaware Pathways Conference at the Chase Center in Wilmington, will support Delaware as it expands the Pathways initiative to accomplish the following by 2021:

  •  Expand career pathways, including the creation of a new regional pathway in health care and continued expansion of existing pathways to connect 20,000 students with in-demand careers ranging from manufacturing, finance, information technology
  • Launch a series of industry councils in partnership with the local business community to strengthen connections between employers and education and training programs
  • Expand the Office of Work-Based Learning at Delaware Technical Community College, with a goal to support 2,500 high school students and another 5,000 postsecondary students in work-based learning experiences in their field of study
  • Create instructional supports and teacher professional learning routines for the statewide computer science pathway in partnership with Zip Code Wilmington
  • Launch summer learning opportunities for youth interested in coding and computer science in partnership with Zip Code Wilmington

The Bloomberg Philanthropies grant, which will span the course of three years, comes on the heels of similar investments in Colorado and New Orleans in 2016.

“We need to ensure that all students are provided with opportunities to access good jobs and careers that provide pathways to the middle class,” said Howard Wolfson, who leads Bloomberg Philanthropies education programs. “Delaware is showing strong leadership in rethinking ways to create new opportunities for young people, recognizing that this work needs to start with the right preparation in school and continue with strong partnerships with businesses. We are happy to support Delaware’s effort to provide 20,000 students with a head start in their connection to in-demand careers.”

“The world is changing fast, and Delaware Pathways is a shining example of public and private leaders banding together around a common challenge to find solutions,” said Paul Herdman, president and CEO of the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, which shepherded the grant application process and will serve as a lead partner for the project moving forward. “Not only are we ensuring that thousands of young people are pursuing their passions and connecting with family-sustaining careers, we’re helping to build a talented and motivated workforce right here in our own backyard that will drive our economy forward.”

Massive shifts in the economy, politics, and social issues have dramatically altered how states like Delaware are preparing young people for the world they’ll inherit after graduation. Increasingly, the tech-driven, family-sustaining careers of today and tomorrow require some level of postsecondary education or training. To address that disconnect between high schools, colleges, and a rewarding career—and the reality of emerging industries like IT and healthcare—public and private leaders from around the state have banded together to help usher in a new generation of the state’s workforce.

Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Technical Community College, played a key role with the Colonial School District in getting the first career pathway started with just 27 students from William Penn High School working in the advanced manufacturing field.

“It’s been very gratifying to develop the first pathway of 27 students and see it grow to more than 9,000 in just four years. We’re excited to play a role in developing these connections for students,” said Brainard. “As the state’s intermediary on this initiative, we utilize our partnerships with business to connect students to the world of work and higher education. Delawareans have a special way of working together. These pathways have expanded because all of the various partners work together so well to benefit our students and put Delaware on the cutting edge of work-based learning.”

In addition to Delaware Tech, Rodel, and Governor Carney’s Office, key partners in Delaware include its state departments of education and labor, its Workforce Development Board, the United Way of Delaware, plus partnerships with every school district and employers in different industries throughout the state.

Delaware’s strong alignment across sectors has quickly made it a national exemplar and a recipient of targeted supports. In 2017, it was one of just 10 states to receive $2 million in grant funding through the New Skills For Youth initiative led by JPMorgan Chase in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers and Advance CTE.

About Delaware Pathways:
Delaware Pathways is an education and workforce partnership that has shaped extensive school reform and the development of regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways that accelerate academic and technical instruction, reflect the needs of the state economy, and purposefully integrate employers. Each pathway offers students the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential, early college credit, and relevant work experience. These instructional models are now being scaled across the state in key industry sectors such as: agriculture, education, finance, health care, hospitality and tourism, engineering and science, information technology, and manufacturing. For more information, please visit here or contact Alison May via email at: alison.may@doe.k12.de.us.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies works in over 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2017, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $702 million. For more information, please visit www.bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter.

Notable Statements of Support

• “At United Way, one of our strategic priorities is ensuring that Delaware has a workforce pipeline of diverse, talented, and well-trained young people. We are investing in efforts to improve literacy rates, and to prepare our youth for college and careers. Pathways is central to our work. We join with the governor and all our Pathways partners to celebrate this grant and to take this opportunity to re-commit to the state’s workforce development goals.” –Michelle Taylor, President and CEO, United Way of Delaware

• “It’s been very gratifying to develop the first pathway of 27 students and see it grow to more than 9,000 in just four years. We’re excited to play a role in developing these connections for students. As the state’s intermediary on this initiative, we utilize our partnerships with business to connect students to the world of work and higher education. Delawareans have a special way of working together. These pathways have expanded because all of the various partners work together so well to benefit our students and put Delaware on the cutting edge of work-based learning.” – Mark Brainard, President, Delaware Technical Community College

• “This grant reinforces the great progress we have made across the state aligning all of our Pathway stakeholders, and pushing the envelope on our strategic plan, objectives from day one at our Workforce Development Board. When opportunity strikes, Delawareans will always roll up their sleeves alongside each other – especially when it comes to supporting our schools, and the young men and women that represent our next generation of business leaders here in Delaware.” – Gary Stockbridge, CEO, Delmarva Power, and Chairman, Delaware Workforce Development Board

• “The world is changing fast, and Delaware Pathways is a shining example of public and private leaders banding together around a common challenge to find solutions. Not only are we ensuring that thousands of young people are pursuing their passions and connecting with family-sustaining careers, we’re helping to build a talented and motivated workforce right here in our own backyard that will drive our economy forward.” – Paul Herdman, President and CEO, Rodel Foundation of Delaware

• “Thanks to Pathways, education and workforce programs are designed to help young people take active steps to pursue continuing education and competitive employment. This generous grant will help Delaware continue its focus on in-demand occupations and where there is the greatest potential for our students to enter the workforce in middle- and high-skill occupations.” – Delaware Governor John Carney

• “When companies and entrepreneurs are deciding where to grow their businesses, the most important factor in their decision making is the talent of the local workforce. In today’s economy it is more important than ever that Delawareans be equipped with the best education and career training available. Our pathways initiative is a key component to that work.” – Cerron Cade, Delaware Secretary of Labor

• “Students who complete a career pathway are actualizing our definition of college and career readiness – they attain a secondary school diploma, earn an industry-recognized credential and complete early college coursework connected to a Registered Apprenticeship program or an Associate or Bachelor’s degree program at a Delaware college or university. We’re excited that this money will allow us to further strengthen and expand Pathways programs.” – Delaware Secretary of Education Susan Bunting

• “Pathways has enabled the Colonial School District to provide its middle and high school students with opportunities and access to the world of work and careers through rigorous course work, while at the same time preparing them for success at the post-secondary level.” – Colonial School District Superintendent Dusty Blakey

• “To truly prepare students to be both college and career ready, we need to do more. For students to have rewarding careers, they must be aware of their options and prepared to take the next step. We want every student to graduate from our schools with the academic and technical skills necessary to pursue postsecondary education or training that is aligned with his or her career interests, and Pathways helps us to meet that goal.” – Woodbridge School District Superintendent Heath Chasanov, head of the Delaware Chief School Officers Association

• “Zip Code Wilmington is excited about the opportunity to grow and partner with Delaware schools to expand the computer science pathway and create new opportunities for youth to develop coding skills. We are excited to engage with teachers and community partners to help grow the next generation of IT talent.” – Tariq Hook, Executive Director of Zip Code I/O

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Lt. Governor in Newark for Events on Wednesday

Visits Las Américas ASPIRA Academy & Participates in Ribbon Cutting for Integrity Staffing Solutions at New National Headquarters

DOVER, Del. – Tomorrow, Lt. Governor Matt Denn will be in Newark for two events.

His first visit will be to Las Américas ASPIRA Academy to see the examples of work from the QUEST program. ASPIRA was a recipient of the Accelerated Academic Grant program, the new state program that made funds available for programs targeted at academically advanced students. The program, created through legislation proposed last year by Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn and the chairs of the General Assembly’s education committees, allows school districts to design programs targeted at students who are ahead of grade level in reading, writing, math, or science.

Local school districts and schools applied for start-up grants for programs targeted at students who are at least a half year ahead of grade level based upon current state standards. ASPIRA received $17,576 and has begun to implement the QUEST (Quality Utilization and Enrichment of Student Talents) Program, focused on developing students’ critical, creative and logical thinking skills and well as problem-solving abilities. The Lt. Governor will learn more about each of those programs and talk with kids participating in the QUEST program.

The Lt. Governor will then participate in the ribbon cutting for Integrity Staffing Solutions, recently relocated to a larger and more expansive office campus located at the Iron Hill Corporate Center in nearby Newark, Delaware.

As one of the nation’s fastest growing, privately-held companies, Integrity’s new 17,230 square-foot work space will support its Delaware-based corporate employees and will include conference, training and collaborative work spaces designed to support Integrity’s growing client roster. In 2013 alone, Integrity provided over 90,000 seasonal and permanent job opportunities for its associates at various client locations across the U.S.

About Integrity Staffing Solutions: Since its launch in 1997, Integrity Staffing Solutions has been committed to generating opportunities for its associates to exceed their own expectations by supplying the skills that advance future fulfillment. The company specializes in temporary and direct-hire employment and customized staffing models that facilitate the growth of careers, communities and companies.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

9:00am – 10:00am Visit to Las Américas ASPIRA Academy
329 Ruthar Drive
Newark

1:00pm – 2:00pm Ribbon Cutting for Integrity Staffing Solutions
Iron Hill Corporate Center
700 Prides Crossing, Suite 300
Newark