Students: Are you ready to get started on a career in manufacturing, construction, health care or financial services? There are lots of resources available in Delaware to help you polish your resume, get the right skills, connect with employers, and even pay for a degree or certificate. Also, even if you’re not interested in a four-year degree, take a look at Delaware’s universities and colleges to see what other options they might have to offer for your first steps.
Parents: The resources below can help you and your children explore career options in manufacturing, construction, health care, financial services and other sectors. They can also support your child in acquiring the skills they need to make a good impression on potential employers. Go down the list together and find the right starting points for you and your family.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
American Job Centers
careeronestop.org/localhelp
Delaware’s American Job Centers are located in in Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington and Newark. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration, these centers provide resource rooms with free internet, phones and resume-writing tools; job training services; job search assistance; help with employment plan development; career counseling; practice interviewing; employment workshops and much more.
American Job Center – Dover
joblink.delaware.gov/ada/r/offices/4
302-739-5473
American Job Center – Georgetown
joblink.delaware.gov/ada/r/offices/7
302-856-5230
American Job Center – Newark
joblink.delaware.gov/ada/r/offices/2
302-368-6622
American Job Center – Fox Valley
joblink.delaware.gov/ada/r/offices/1
302-761-8085
Apprenticeship Finder
apprenticeship.gov
Search for apprenticeships in your area with this Department of Labor website.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Career Outlook
bls.gov/careeroutlook
This U.S. Department of Labor page has employment and wage data for many different occupations and industries, as well as first-hand accounts from people working those jobs.
STATE GOVERNMENT
Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment & Training
det.delawareworks.com
The Division of Employment & Training’s website provides helpful links to services for job seekers, as well as more information about specific careers. The division can help cover the cost of a degree, license or certificate. For more information, go to det.delawareworks.com/job-seeker-services.php. The division also provides a lot of information on apprenticeships — including video testimonials from apprentices — at det.delawareworks.com/apprenticeship-and-training.php.
Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Occupational & Labor Market Information
lmi.delawareworks.com
This page lists employment statistics and wages for some 500 different occupations, and also includes projections for approximately 100 industries. You can also look up data on employers by industry. The Career Compass and other useful publications related to choosing a career can be found at lmi.delawareworks.com/content/publications.
Delaware JobLink
joblink.delaware.gov/ada/r
This job database run by the Delaware Department of Labor can connect qualified workers and recent graduates to more than 11,000 available job openings. A separate search function on the site also lets you look for training and education providers.
Delaware Workforce Development Board
wib.delawareworks.com
William Potter, Executive Director
william.potter@delaware.gov
302-761-8163
The Delaware Workforce Development Board offers occupational training to workers and connects them with employers. The board’s Youth Council runs programs to help Delaware’s neediest and most at-risk youth prepare for the workforce.
OTHER CAREER DIRECTION & TRAINING RESOURCES
2 Fish Home Renovations
484-459-2624 (Keith Smith)
2fishhomerenovations@gmail.com
2 Fish Home Renovations’ mission is to provide initial employment and job development in the construction industry for out-of-school youth and formerly incarcerated young adults.
Challenge Program
challengeprogram.org
302-655-0945
info@challengeprogram.org
Challenge Program trainees gain on-the-job experience working on professional construction projects. We primarily rehabilitate low-income housing for local government and non-profit agencies. Periodically, we work on select creative projects that conform with our mission and are willing to adapt to our training schedule. In addition, we occasionally choose jobs that will give our trainees exposure to local contractors working on commercial construction sites. If you’re interested in working on a personal project with The Challenge Program, go to cpfurniture.org.
Generation USA-Wilmington
usa.generation.org/wilmington-de
Generation’s mission is to empower unemployed and underemployed young people to build thriving, sustainable careers and to provide employers the highly skilled, motivated talent they need. Generation trains people ages 18-29 for jobs in four sectors using a data-centered methodology that includes four to 12 weeks of technical, behavioral, mindset and professional-presence skill training, with social support services in parallel.
The Wilmington community has worked with Generation since 2015, and now hosts a Universal Banker program that prepares young adults for positions in financial services roles, including bank tellers and retail bankers. A Pre-Apprentice Construction Helper program is also available for individuals interested in construction careers.
JA My Way
jamyway.org
This platform was created for teens and has a lot of free resources all centered around: My Resume, My Career, My Money and My Business (you have to create an account to unlock the features). This Junior Achievement site offers a personality quiz and connects students with career options relevant to their personality type.
Princeton Review
princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz
Free 24-question interest inventory/career guide.
Roadtrip Nation
roadtripnation.org
949-764-9121
Project-based programs use a blended learning format to foster authentic career exploration through interactive lessons and engaging multimedia content.
SkillsUSA-Delaware
delawareskillsusa.org
A nonprofit partnership of students, teachers and industry promoting a thriving, skilled workforce. SkillsUSA provides educational programs, events and competitions to support career and technical education.
Stand By Me
standbymede.org/college-careers-cash
1-800-560-3372
College, Careers & Ca$h offers workshops that build a continuum for high school students starting in 10th grade that puts them on the pathway to post-secondary education and careers. This custom-designed curriculum consists of three 45-minute interactive and engaging classroom workshops to help students understand the relationships between a lifestyle goal, educational attainment, and a realistic budget.
Tech Hire Delaware
techhiredelaware.org
Tech Hire Delaware is making it easier for all people to launch a career in tech and is recruiting hundreds of Delaware residents into technology certificate and accelerated training programs. While in training, recruits receive career counseling to help them with interview skills, resume building and workplace etiquette. Once training is complete, Tech Hire Delaware will work to connect candidates with employers seeking tech talent.
Tech Impact
techimpact.org/our-programs/itworks
302-256-5015
With more than 500 graduates, ITWorks is a proven program training young people in Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, DE; Las Vegas; and Washington, DC for entry-level IT careers. During the free 16-week program, students spend the first 11 weeks in the classroom learning about PC hardware, troubleshooting, IT networking, security and much more to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification. Then, students gain real-life, hands-on experience during a five-week internship at a local corporation or nonprofit. The program is offered twice a year — in the spring and fall — and is bolstered by the support of over 100 volunteers in each location.
The Wilmington HOPE Commission
wilmhope.org/our-mission-vision
302-407-3397
The Wilmington HOPE Commission targets reduction of the impact of violence and promotes well-being in communities by advocating for, supporting, empowering and assisting ex-offenders to positively integrate back into our communities. The Wilmington HOPE Commission has a workforce development program in partnership with ChristianaCare that provides employment opportunities. The Wilmington HOPE Commission provides an Enhanced Workforce Development (EWFD) Program that teaches individuals basic workforce development skills such as presentation, interview skills and resume writing, and then continues with instruction on how to maintain a job and other key employment skills.
West End Neighborhood House
westendnh.org/employment
302-658-4171
West End Neighborhood House offers free employment opportunities for youth and adults 16 years of age and older. Services are designed to help individuals build the critical thinking skills necessary to enhance employability and gain and retain employment. The Employment Training program provides job preparedness workshops, job placement and retention assistance, job shadowing, internship opportunities and more.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Dawn Career Institute
dawncareerinstitute.edu
302-273-3560
Dawn Career Institute offers both campus-based and online career-focused diploma programs, leading to professional certifications and licenses in a variety of health care and wellness fields.
Delaware College of Art and Design
dcad.edu
info@dcad.edu
302-622-8000
At DCAD, students can learn or polish skills in graphic design, animation, illustration and other fields that might be relevant for future makers.
Delaware State University
desu.edu
Majors include Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, Optics, and Textile and Apparel Studies. DSU also offers non-credit entrepreneurship classes. For a full list, go to desu.edu/academics/majors-programs.
Delaware Technical Community College
dtcc.edu
302-857-1000 (Dover), 302-259-6000 (Georgetown), 302-454-3900 (Stanton), 302-571-5300 (Wilmington)
DTCC is an open-admission institution whose degree programs prepare students to go directly into the workforce. The college also offers training for adults already in the workplace. Areas of study include Architectural Engineering Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting Design Technology, Construction Management, Machinist Training and many others. For a full list, go to dtcc.edu/academics/programs-study.
Goldey-Beacom College
gbc.edu
302-998-8814
Majors and certificate programs at Goldey-Beacom are focused on business skills, making it a great choice if you’re considering setting up your own company. For example, you can learn the basics of accounting or brush up on Microsoft Office.
Harris School of Business
harrisschool.edu
302-478-8890
Harris School of Business provides career-focused education to adults in the fields of allied health and business management.
Sussex Technical School District: Adult Education Division
sussexvt.org/adult_education
302-856-0961
Advance your career through Sussex Tech with training programs, certificate programs, and apprenticeship training opportunities in a wide range of fields. Health profession programs include certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant, medical billing and coding, medical administrative assistant, and phlebotomy technician, just to name a few. Sussex Vo-Tech’s apprenticeship students complete employer-sponsored training to advance in their careers in automotive technology, carpentry, child care, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, marine outboard technician, water systems operations and welding.
New Castle County Vo-Tech School District: Adult Education Division
nccvtadulteducation.com
302-683-3652/3642
New Castle County Vo-Tech’s Adult Education Division offers 22 separate programs that include automotive, health careers, early childhood education, and the major building/construction trades. It also provides related theory and limited hands-on training for all Technical Training and State Registered Apprentices.
The Delaware Skills Center (deskillscenter.org) is an adult training and employment center operating through the Adult Education Division of the New Castle County Vo-Tech School District. Current programs include Computer Help Desk Support, Networking and Mobile Device Support; Electrical Trades; HVAC; Licensed Practical Nursing; Multi-Craft Industrial Trades; Welding and Fabrication.
POLYTECH School District: Adult Education Division
polytechworks.com
302-697-4545
POLYTECH Adult Education has been a provider of training and educational services in Kent County since 1964. It provides multiple types of training, such as apprenticeship training (in industrial and trade areas), computer technology, clerical and customer service, culinary arts, medical skills and other vocational and personal enrichment courses and programs.
University of Delaware
udel.edu
302-831-2792
In addition to traditional undergraduate and graduate studies, UD students have options for online enrollment or professional and continuing studies programs. Majors offered at UD include Apparel Design, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation, Landscape Architecture, Medical Laboratory Science and many more. A list of professional and continuing-studies programs is at pcs.udel.edu.
Wesley College
wesley.edu
302-736-2300
Majors at Wesley are focused on the liberal arts, but also include Biology, Biological Chemistry and Medical Technology.
Wilmington University
wilmu.edu
877-967-5464
Wilmington University offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs. Many of them are available online or include work experiences for credit. The College of Technology’s “Maker” certificate is designed to help you learn how to create, prototype, design and manufacture products.
MAKERSPACES
Barrel of Makers
barrelofmakers.org
Creative, collaborative, community-centered makerspace for people of different generations and skill levels interested in technology and art and making stuff.
Delaware Innovation Space
deinnovates.org
Delaware Innovation Space is a multi-dimensional, resource-rich entrepreneurial incubator. Its mission is to stimulate scientific entrepreneurship, tackle next-generation problems, enhance Delaware’s presence as a leader in science and technology and foster scientific growth, economic development and job creation. Startups receive unique access to executive mentorship, networking, collaboration, business expertise and financial support — to go from research to the real world.
NextFab
nextfab.com
302-477-7330
Offers access to 2D and 3D printers, design software, a laser cutter, digital circuitry tools and a woodworking shop, alongside offices, studios and communal space. Tenants can participate in a 12-week accelerator program or nine-month incubator program, business coaching, networking and funding opportunities.
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS AND UNIONS
Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware
abcdelaware.com
302-328-1111
ABC is a membership organization that represents more than 21,000 employers in the construction industry. Among other services, ABC offers education and training for workers in the building trades. You can also use the organization’s membership directory (deabcdirectory.com/member-directory) to identify and connect with local employers.
Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council
debuildingtrades.com
delawarebuildingstrades@gmail.com
302-369-9600
The Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, represents 24 affiliated local unions in the construction sector. The website offers information about the benefits of union membership and provides lists with the contact information of local building contractors, such as bricklayers, cement masons and plasterers, roofers, iron workers, glaziers and more.
Delaware Contractors Association
dca.build
302-994-7442
Members of DCA have access to networking events and mentoring programs, as well as DCA-sponsored college and vocational classes at the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College.
Delaware Healthcare Association
deha.org
302-674-2853
The Delaware Healthcare Association’s website has resources for exploring and planning a healthcare career, for finding the right educational path and certificate programs. It also lists training, job and scholarship opportunities as well as loan repayment programs.
Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership
demep.org
302-283-3131
DEMEP helps Delaware manufacturers stay competitive by providing resources to acquire new technologies, reduce waste and drive growth. The DEMEP website provides great insights into key challenges and solutions in manufacturing today. The organization also offers training programs on lean manufacturing practices.
Delaware State AFL-CIO
delawareaflcio.com
302-283-1330
AFL-CIO’s Delaware page provides important information on why unions matter to employees in manufacturing, construction and beyond, as well as a list of unions Delaware workers can join, with contact information for most (delawareaflcio.com/how-to-join-a-union).
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce/Delaware Manufacturing Association
dscc.com
302-655-7221
The chamber advocates on behalf of businesses throughout the state. For job seekers, the chamber’s website provides a searchable job bank. The Delaware Manufacturing Association, an affiliate of DSCC, sponsors networking events in the manufacturing sector.
