Advantage of Apprenticeships

Issue 11.14

April 11, 2025

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

The General Assembly wrapped up their first week back to session from bond break yesterday and it was an eventful week filled with Committee hearings, bill introductions, and Governor Meyer’s State of the State address. You can watch his address here.

Bills that saw movement:

SB 63: General Contractor Liability

Bills introduced for which the State Chamber is seeking feedback:

HB 111: Skip the Stuff Act
HB 115: Discrimination based on weight/height/body size
SB 104: Trauma Kits

BUILD YOUR WORKFORCE THROUGH APPRENTICESHIPS

In today's tight labor market, Delaware employers face a critical challenge: finding skilled talent at sustainable wages. The evidence for apprenticeships’ effectiveness is compelling. Nationally, employers see an average return of nearly $1.50 for every dollar invested in apprenticeship programs, with retention rates exceeding 90%. The benefits extend beyond direct training outcomes: Businesses report improved workplace culture, enhanced employee loyalty, and access to various incentives, such as tax benefits. Read more >

JFF IS COMING TO DELAWARE! Jobs for the Future (JFF) is a nonprofit that drives the transformation of education and workforce systems to help people secure quality jobs. Learn more about the organization during the afternoon keynote, featuring Kyle Hartung, associate vice president at JFF, at the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit on April 29. Register >

THE ADVANTAGE OF APPRENTICESHIPS

At M. Davis & Sons, over 100 team members are enrolled in the State of Delaware’s Construction Apprenticeship Program across multiple trades, including pipefitting, plumbing, electrical work, and welding. This investment in workforce development shows how apprenticeships can be leveraged to build a company's talent pipeline while providing valuable career opportunities for employees. Read more >

DRIVING CAREERS

FORWARD

Many years ago, AutoTeam Delaware established an Automotive Service Technicians Apprenticeship Program and it has since become a key part of our success. Many of our best technicians have come through this program, and those who complete it tend to stay with us for years. Our associates appreciate the support it provides, as it allows them to work alongside experienced professionals. Read more >

STEP INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TURNING VOCATIONAL EXPERIENCE INTO COLLEGE CREDIT

The Delaware Department of Labor and Wilmington University (WilmU) have partnered to offer the new Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path™) for the vocational workforce—an initiative that gives individuals in select registered apprenticeship programs the opportunity to earn up to 42 college credits toward a bachelor’s degree at WilmU.

Journeypersons can apply to WilmU, where their experience and job training will be assessed for academic credit and potential cost savings toward a relevant degree, such as WilmU’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Business. Read more >

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The imposition of higher U.S. tariffs on foreign products and the considerable follow-on economic impacts are THE discussion in every business today. Setting politics aside for the moment, let’s dig a little deeper. I’m in the camp that believes tariffs are a drag on economic growth and markets and that the best tariff is one that doesn’t exist. However, they do exist and not everyone shares my sentiments. That said, however, there is more to the story. Read more >

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