A Job at the End of the Tunnel

CONTRIBUTED BY THE DELAWARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

THE DELAWARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Board (DWDB) provides leadership and resources to develop a skilled workforce that is responsive to the evolving needs of business and communities. By doing so, employers, job seekers, and youth are aware of, see value in, and actively use DWDB’s services. Our goals are to move Delaware residents toward self-sufficiency, support the workforce needs and competitiveness of industries that fuel Delaware’s economy, and build a responsive and agile workforce system—statewide and locally.

How do we do that, and what do we really do?

In the past, the DWDB has been tasked with aligning workforce dollars—both state and federal—to training programs. We’ve focused on reporting and compliance, which is important, but is it enough? Recently the governor appointed a new chair, Scott Malfitano from CSC, and a new executive director, Joanna Staib. We believe with change comes new energy, new ideas, and new ways of doing things.

So, what are the changes?

First, ensuring everyone in the state knows the DWDB has a statewide mission. We will be expanding connections to better engage Sussex and Kent Counties so that they have a voice on the Board.

Also, several new committees were created. The Business Engagement Committee, co-chaired by Kurt Foreman and Mike Quaranta, will work to close the skills gap experienced by employers and develop and prioritize workforce activities. A main goal of this group will involve employers in the process. The workforce of tomorrow cannot be trained if we don’t know the needs and aspirations of our businesses.

The Youth Committee, chaired by Nello Paoli, will work with our school systems to provide guidance on how to build the workforce pipeline. The committee will provide recommendations on life skills training, expanding work-based learning opportunities, career exploration and exposure, credential attainment, completion of high school or GED program, and ensuring our graduating seniors are college and/or career ready.

The Adult Dislocated Worker Committee, chaired by Alisha Bryson, will focus on high-demand occupation programs that train or strengthen the skills of Delaware’s adult and dislocated workers, particularly in essential career tracts. The group will work with providers to identify customized job training programs centered on data-determined needs. In addition, this committee will investigate opportunities for businesses to grow their own training programs. Our priority will be to invest in businesses that provide training for current lower-level employees so they can advance within their company.

Finally, the new Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Paul Herdman, will guide the DWDB’s achievement of its overarching goals, objectives, priorities, and activities. It will track the Board’s progress and support the Board and its committees in the development of metrics setting, data collection, and data reporting.

How will DWDB achieve our goals?

We need to think out of the box and invest wisely and:

• Focus on Delaware’s business growth verticals

• Work with businesses to develop and design curriculum to fill vacant jobs

• Track results to show how we’re performing as a state

• Introduce data driven artificial intelligence

• Invest in training opportunities and ensure child care is available

• Reduce the duplication of efforts by having our partners look to DWDB as a clearinghouse for all things workforce related

As we emerge from this pandemic, we must rethink workforce development. We have an opportunity to rebuild our local economy in a way that respects our workers, brings opportunity to communities, and works in unison with our state’s businesses. We must connect individuals to training opportunities and strengthen the pathways to good paying jobs. We need to give them a job at the end of the tunnel.