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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

State job training program aims to assist people left jobless by pandemic

Delaware’s Rapid Workforce Training and Redeployment Initiative is ramping up efforts to help workers displaced by COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The initiative was established under an executive order signed by Gov. John Carney in August.

And Delaware Department of Labor Secretary Cerron Cade explains its goal.

"The purpose of this program is meant to better prepare these workers for the economy that we face," said Cade. "We've identified five major growth industries in the state of Delaware: IT, food services, healthcare, transportation and logistics as well as construction."

Cade notes they’re partnering with the state’s most successful training providers and companies to rapidly train people for career certifications or more as they look to move to another career.

Delmarva Power president Gary Stockbridge chairs the Delaware’s Workforce Investment Board.  He says there are weekly meetings to make sure the business community is ready to hire those getting trained.

"What we talked about each week is the training how are we doing on it, how's it rolling out, making sure everybody's aware of the time of the various pillars that are going on also talk extensively now about the business connection."

Delaware Tech is also offering certification training in construction, technology, transportation, and logistics it anticipates will be completed by the spring.

School President Dr. Mark Brainard says it will also offer certifications in healthcare.

"Delaware Tech received a 2.4 million dollar Grant under Executive Order 43 and under that grant we will offer approximately 11 different short training programs in the healthcare sector everything from CNA and patient care technician to things like dental assistant pharmacy technician."

Brainard adds training will start in October, November, and December with it all completed by the spring.

The school is training 375 students and partnering with the Sussex Tech and Polytech School Districts.

 

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in news and radio to Delaware Public Media and the All Things Considered host position. He joined DPM in November 2019 as a reporter and fill-in ATC host after six years as a reporter and anchor at commercial radio stations in New Castle and Sussex Counties.