Annual Report
Innovation in Action
The Partnership’s year of workforce development BY HELANA RODRIGUEZ
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT is integral to the economic progress of any state, and Delaware is no exception. As the economic pulse of Delaware quickens, so does the demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce. Solutions to address the pressures created by the workforce shortage are not a simple fix and must be forward-thinking and collaborative. The Partnership, Inc. continues to rise to this challenge, unveiling innovative strategies that empower and mobilize the business community to take an active role in education and workforce development. Dedicated to building and retaining talent in the First State, The Partnership is the workforce development affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber and consists of four flagship programs: Delaware Principal for a Day, Superstars in Education and Training, Intern Delaware, and the Delaware Young Professionals Network. The Partnership has undergone a transformative year, helping to connect the dots between education and the private sectors. Intern Delaware creates a strategic pipeline for growing and retaining
Delaware’s future workforce by redefining the traditional internship experience. This summer, the program offered an enriching 10-week program to nearly 200 interns from 28 corporate partners. As an “add-on” to the participating company’s existing intern experience, the program goes beyond the basics and provides interns with access to professional development programming and networking opportunities designed to help them build a sense of community and understand the unique aspects of Delaware’s economy and culture. Participants attended 16 engaging events and heard from over 40 speakers. An impressive 90% of participants said the program enhanced their internship experience, which directly resulted in an increase in their desirability to live and work in the state. Delaware Principal for a Day took strategic matchmaking to the next level this year. Created to strengthen connections between educators and the business community, the program paired 43 high schools with more than 60 business and community leaders across all industries whose skill set and desired participation level matched that of the participating school’s request. Business leaders not only deepened their understanding of the education sector, but also played an active role in shaping the future workforce by offering awareness, exploration, and immersion work-based learning opportunities to students.
From left: Milford High School Principal Seth Buford, Milford Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bridget PalmerAmory, City of Milford Economic Development & Community Engagement Administrator Sara Bluhm, City Engineer James Puddicombe, and MHS Career Counselor Kate Lynch during Delaware Principal for a Day. 76
Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2024
| DELAWARE BUSINESS
