Pre-apprenticeship program opens jobs to underrepresented groups

Delaware Department of Labor has developed a new Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program to complement its existing Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Pre-Apprenticeship prepares individuals who lack education or experience for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, which places individuals directly into paid positions in industries such as construction.

The goal of the new program is to expand Register Apprenticeships to underrepresented participants such as non-traditional gender or race/ethnicity, disadvantaged populations or low-skilled workers.

“The creation of this program is another step that the Delaware Department of Labor is taking to assist populations that historically have had barriers to gain entry or advancement in the workforce,” said Stacey Laing, director of the Division of Employment and Training. “This also provides another tool for businesses to tailor the workforce to better meet their needs.”

In calendar year 2018, the average starting wage for an apprentice was $14.70/hour ($29,400/year), with wages upon completion averaging at $24.00/hour ($48,000/year).

The Pre-Apprenticeship policies, procedures and application were released on February 15, 2019, and can be found at https://det.delawareworks.com/apprenticeship-and-training.php.