Higher Learning
Meeting Delaware’s Workforce Demands Responding to employer needs is central to Delaware Tech’s mission CONTRIBUTED BY DELAWARE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
RESPONDING TO THE DEMANDS of the state’s workforce is central to Delaware Tech’s mission, which is why employers often approach the College for help when they have a need for education and training in a particular area. Three of the most recent examples include the College’s new Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and diesel technology training through its Workforce Development and Community Education division. “As Delaware’s only community college, we play a critical role in responding to the state’s labor market and community needs,” said Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard. “This means we not only help our state’s employers, but all the people of our state who take advantage of 60
the services those employers provide.” For example, Delaware’s public school superintendents approached the College in 2019 asking for help to address the state’s teacher shortage, which has since been exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their idea was to create a pipeline to “grow their own” teachers with students who could return to their home districts to teach once they received their college degrees. Because 97 percent of Delaware Tech graduates remain in the state, the superintendents suggested the College develop a bachelor’s degree in education to prepare teachers who would then work in Delaware. “Delaware Tech’s existing Associate of Arts in teaching and partnerships July / Aug us t 2 0 2 2
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