Superstars in Education & Training: Delaware Skills Center

Transforming Futures

Delaware Skills Center’s enduring approach to workforce development

BY AMANDA SCHIMMEL | PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY, The Delaware Skills Center (DSC) has been dedicated to providing accessible workforce development training to Delaware residents. Offering a variety of skilled trade programs, including Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, and more, DSC aims to empower unemployed and underemployed individuals by equipping them with the necessary practical skills and certifications for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. Not only is their Electrical Program the most sought-after construction trade they offer—with over 250 applications annually—it has also earned the well-deserved title of 2024 Superstar in Education and Training.

“The objective of the Delaware Skills Center’s Electrical Program is to provide entry level training, promote career readiness, and assist with job placement in the field,” explains Supervisor Jacqueline Hawkes.

“The program is designed to equip participants with theory, technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry-specific competencies that are essential for successful employment.”

By utilizing the National Center for Construction Education Research and Development’s curriculum, the State of Delaware recognizes the 12-week program as a student’s initial year of an apprenticeship. “Not only does the curriculum cover technical expertise in electrical systems, wiring, and installations, it also teaches important soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving,” Hawkes adds. The instruction of technical skills and the cultivation of soft skills collectively contribute to a more comprehensive and industry-responsive strategy for workforce development in the electrical field.

DSC’s Electrical Program addresses industry needs and workforce gaps within the sector. In response to the increasing demand for skilled electrical professionals in Delaware, the program was created to bridge the gap between unemployed and underemployed individuals and the critical shortage of qualified workers in the electrical industry.

“DSC takes pride in upholding the principle of equal opportunity. We strive to have representation of individuals from all races, religions, and cultures,” Hawkes says. “Many of our students have enrolled from Promise Communities, where they have been underrepresented, disadvantaged, or unable to seek mainstream employment because of criminal charges and incarceration. We have also implemented scholarship programs to further support students with severe financial constraints. We want to give everyone the opportunity to join our program, regardless of their background.”

Moreover, DSC employs targeted outreach strategies to connect with unemployed and underemployed individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the electrical field. On top of that, key partnerships with local community organizations, workforce development agencies, and educational institutions further broaden the reach of the program.

To optimize post-graduate employment opportunities, training specialists meet with students during their 12 weeks of training to review soft-skills, assist in resume writing, and provide support for overall job placement. Where necessary, students are provided with the opportunity to engage in off-site work experience in collaboration with DSC business partners. “This enables business partners to evaluate the students for potential employment and offers hands-on, real-time, experience for the student. Along with the job fairs we put on, these opportunities have contributed to a higher rate of successful job placements for the students,” Hawkes adds.

Placing each participant with an employer after graduation is the number one priority at DSC. 95% of the Electrical Program students secure employment before their last day of class, with the 2022-2023 cohort achieving a 96% job placement rate. “Employment verification data is collected through student’s pay stubs, employer verification forms, or both,” explains Hawkes. “We have training specialists who remain connected to the program’s graduates and monitor their employment, documenting their first day and then checking back in at day 30, 60, and 90.”

With its Electrical Program shining as a 2024 Superstar in Education and Training, the Delaware Skills Center’s commitment to empowering its students is undeniable. By bridging industry gaps and fostering inclusivity, DSC not only prepares its students for success, but ensures their seamless integration into the workforce. With an impressive track record of job placements and unwavering dedication to its graduates’ continued success, DSC remains at the forefront of transformative education in Delaware.