4 minute read
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.
I am absolutely thrilled with the refocused direction and the successful growth of the Partnership. The organization is well positioned to encourage collaboration to support Delaware’s workforce development efforts and more specifically to make an extraordinary and lasting impact to cultivate the next generation of Delaware’s business leaders. —Rick Deadwyler, Board Chair
Building a skilled workforce is vital for a state’s economic growth, and Delaware is home to countless innovative and transformational programs doing just that. The Superstars in Education and Training program shines a spotlight on exceptional high school, postsecondary, and independent training and certificate programs that are making an impact. It was our privilege to award Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Delaware Technical Community College’s Patient Care Assistant Pathway, and Odyssey Charter School for their outstanding achievements. We also honored renowned education leader Dr. Dennis Loftus with the John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award for his commitment, leadership, guidance, and contributions to the education system in Delaware. With the new year, we look forward to honoring our 2024 Superstar winners during a luncheon at our new workforce development summit coming this April!
The Delaware Young Professionals Network (DYPN) is dedicated to supporting and developing emerging leaders within the state. Chaired by Danielle Scull of Assurance Media, the planning committee consists of 20 young professionals and saw historic growth and engagement over the last two years. The committee hosted ten diverse events that included volunteering, professional development, networking, and more. The group also offers mentorship to Intern Delaware participants. Serving as a catalyst for its members’ professional growth, talent development, and contributions to the State Chamber, the DYPN plays a pivotal role in advancing their careers while actively contributing to the state’s progression.
