ARTICLE
There is no question that a healthy economy requires a strong workforce. A skilled and educated workforce draws businesses to Delaware and encourages existing businesses to stay and expand here. Whether college-bound or preparing for a technical or trade job, individuals need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Superstars in Education and Training seeks to celebrate innovative programs that contribute to developing the state’s workforce—of today and tomorrow. Since 1989, the awards program has recognized more than 200 educational programs for innovative and impactful programming. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., are pleased to announce the 2022 Superstars in Education and Training award winners, all of which exemplify creativity and efficacy in workforce development initiatives. These winners will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony on Monday, May 9, 2022. The event will be held at 4:45 p.m. in Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium in New Castle. While many go through the rigorous application process, only a handful of winners are selected each year. An award is given to one independent training and certificate provider, a higher education program, and a Delaware high school. Awards of Excellence are also granted to deserving companies. The Superstars in Education and Training program welcomes three new Superstars to its roster: Food Bank of Delaware Independent Training and Certificate Provider The Food Bank of Delaware’s job skills training programs—The Culinary School and LOGIC—serve unemployed and under-employed adults with barriers to employment and is a recognized trade school by the Delaware Department of Education. Since 2002, The Culinary School (TCS) allows participants to enter a 14-week program to learn basic and high-end kitchen skills and become ServSafe© certified. In its third year of operation, The Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control (LOGIC) training program prepares students for careers in warehousing/logistics industry through an 11-week course where they receive an OSHA-10 General Industry certificate and a forklift certification upon completion. Year Up Wilmington Higher Education Program Year Up Wilmington works to close the opportunity divide by empowering young adults with the skills, experiences, and support to reach their potential and have living wage careers. The program’s evidence-based workforce development program prepares young adults for professional and personal success. Serving individuals ages 18-24, the year-long program provides students hands-on training for industry-specific, middle-skill roles and an internship with Wilmington’s leading employers—many of which turn into job offers. Additionally, all students receive comprehensive wraparound support during the duration of the program such as a weekly educational stipend, assistance with personal challenges, and emergency funds for urgent hardships like food, child care, and housing needs. Paul M. Hodgson Vocational Technical High School High School The ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) mentoring program introduces students to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in the fields of architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry. Student teams work directly with professionals from leading area firms who volunteer their time to mentor the teams as they design hypothetical projects, tour local construction sites, and visit architectural, engineering and construction offices. In addition to discovering and developing new skill sets, many students form positive relationships with industry professionals who can provide important references for obtaining college admissions, scholarships, internships, and full-time employment. Award of Excellence Recipient: Zip Code Wilmington (Independent Training and Certificate Provider) Leaders from the education, business, and nonprofit communities as well as elected officials will make appearances during the reception and awards ceremony on May 9. The cost to attend is $45 for Delaware State Chamber members and $60 for future members. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about the event, or to register, visit here. The Partnership, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) workforce development affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. It was created to promote charitable and educational activities by developing and fostering programs that encourage private sector involvement in workforce development and education.