Nurturing Talent: Delaware’s Initiatives in Education and Workforce Training

July 17, 2024

Delaware is making significant efforts to ensure a successful and skilled workforce for the future, engaging various stakeholders and organizations to continue strengthening the state’s vibrant and diverse labor pool. These efforts include the expansion of career and technical education programs through Delaware Pathways and the state’s vocational technical school districts, as well as specific workforce initiatives in STEM and the life sciences.

Delaware has been a pioneer in developing career and technical education programming through Delaware Pathways, a collaborative initiative involving communities, schools, and industry to bridge the gap between education and employment. With over 30,000 students enrolled in at least one pathway at 89 middle and high schools in 2023, Delaware Pathways gives students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and explore their interests in a variety of industries, including agriscience, manufacturing, information technology, STEM, and more. Through job placements and other work-based learning experiences, students gain essential soft skills such as timeliness, professionalism, and career aspiration.

Additionally, Delaware’s vocational-technical (vo-tech) school districts play a critical role in preparing students for the workforce by offering specialized training and educational programs. Each county has its own vo-tech district. The vo-tech schools in Delaware are full-day, offering a typical high school experience complete with sports teams and prom. The vo-tech districts emphasize the direct connection between education and employment through co-ops and other job placement opportunities, setting a foundation for lifelong learning and career advancement. The vo-tech school districts also offer adult and continuing education coursework to the community.

While enrolled in Pathways or vo-tech schools, many students earn apprenticeship credits through coursework or dual enrollment in Delaware Technical Community College (DelTech), the statewide community college with campuses in each county. In addition to certificate and two-year degree offerings, DelTech has also established over 200 connected degree agreements, creating smooth transfer opportunities to four-year bachelor’s degrees programs. Through the SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) scholarship, Delawareans of all ages are eligible for free tuition at DelTech, greatly expanding access to higher wages and economic prosperity.

Other key workforce development programs in Delaware focus specifically on the life sciences sector and STEM career pathways. Many of these programs aim to bolster the state’s STEM talent pool and promote diversity within these fields, such as Zip Code Wilmington. Zip Code Wilmington offers a 12-week coding bootcamp that teaches individuals of all ages and backgrounds the necessary skills to attain a high-demand software programming career. By building long-term, lasting relationships with tech companies and creating a highly-skilled talent pipeline, Zip Code Wilmington aims to lift the community in the greater Wilmington area and support economic growth.

Additionally, the recently announced Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training will partner with industry, educators, and government to address the demand for a skilled life science workforce through recruitment and training efforts. Expected to open in early 2025 in downtown Wilmington at the Chemours STEM Hub, the Center has initial funding of $3 million for a three-year pilot program to train individuals of all ages in basic laboratory and biomanufacturing skills. As Delaware’s life sciences sector continues to drive economic growth in the state and region, this initiative represents a significant partnership between education, industry and government, ensuring Delawareans of all backgrounds will have access to good jobs in a growing field.

Through these initiatives along with many others, Delaware is not only preparing its youth for the challenges of the future through career education and training, but also fostering an environment where businesses can thrive with a skilled and competent workforce. By starting career education early, expanding vocational training and tuition-free adult education, and promoting diversity and continued education in STEM and the life sciences, Delaware is setting a model for other states to follow in workforce development.