Workforce employment program graduates 50

Gov. Jack Markell joined hundreds who celebrated the graduation of 50 Delawareans who completed the Generation USA Youth Employment Program, a partnership with the McKinsey Social initiative, and are on the path to securing employment in a variety of in-demand fields.

Today’s ceremony at the  Clarion Hotel’s Belle Golden Ballroom recognized individuals who have completed training through the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and the new customer service program, which prepares participants for a range of customer-facing roles, including in hospitality and retail companies.

Additionally, the CNA program is currently holding classes and Generation is recruiting 50 students to begin the customer service training program in May.

“We’re working hard to give every Delawarean the opportunity to succeed by acquiring the skills to compete in today’s knowledge-based economy,” Markell said.

With the state’s backing, Wilmington was selected as a pilot city for Generation, a workforce employment program of McKinsey Social Initiative that targets young workers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are either unemployed or underemployed, offering career-building training in fast-growing professions. In August, 15 graduates completed the first program, which offered accelerated CNA training. Seven more nursing students and 43 customer service graduates were honored during the ceremony.

Generation Wilmington classes have been offered in conjunction with the Wilmington campuses of Delaware Technical and Community College and Springfield College.

The Generation program integrates technical training in the classroom and at job sites, along with behavioral and mindset skills, which helps students prepare to overcome both workplace and personal challenges. Social support and mentorship is available to all students throughout the full-time course, and students receive stipends to cover basic transportation and other costs. Generation ensures that graduates continue to have access to support and regular follow-up contact for the first six months of their employment.