Delaware Receives $1.4M in Federal Grant to Train Dislocated Workers

Dover, DE –  The Delaware Department of Labor will be receiving a $1.4 million
grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide job training and job search assistance to displaced workers who have been challenged over the long-term by residual effects from the economic downturn.  The funding for expands training for unemployed individuals to acquire industry-recognized credentials that lead to new career opportunities. 

It supports on-the-job training, customized training, registered apprenticeships and other approaches that connect individuals with employers, with a focus on providing these services to those in longer term unemployment.  Delaware defines this as individuals who have been unemployed for a minimum of 27 weeks.   

“This funding will help us break some of the barriers preventing some Delawareans from returning to work, including training that will assist those who can transfer skills or learn new skills and return to the workforce,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “Our state Department of Labor has been focused on developing innovative programs that connect individuals with jobs that match their employable skills with potential employers.  A combination of training, credentials, and work experience bring long-term employment success.”

Delaware is piloting the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a portable credential that demonstrates achievement and a certain level of workplace employability skills in applied mathematics and locating information and reading.

“The attainment of meaningful credentials is already a focus in Delaware,” said John McMahon, Delaware Secretary of Labor.  “Our training activities will be targeted to Delaware’s Career Ladder Initiative, providing some short term training for many dislocated workers whose skills are transferable, particularly in Information Technology fields where the number of jobs are growing and advanced degrees are not necessarily required.  We are working with business to identify talent gaps and discuss how we can bridge some of the skill gaps for people who need jobs. ”

The Delaware Department of Labor job bank – Delaware Joblink – assists workers with case management, job search, labor market information, job matching, and training provider information.  The Joblink is also used by employers in their search for their next employee.

“Despite a recovering economy, too many Delawareans remain out of work. Fortunately, this grant from the Department of Labor will send close to $1.5 million to Delaware to help folks that have been unemployed for too long receive the training and resources they need to get back on track and into the workforce, “ said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.  “ I’m confident this grant will help these Delawareans cultivate new, useful skills that will put them on paths towards long, successful careers.”

“Too many Delawareans know what it feels like to lose their job when their factory closed down or their company left town,” Senator Chris Coons said. “With so many still looking for work, this federal grant will give our neighbors the training they need to get hired. Helping Delawareans find jobs remains my top priority, so I’m hopeful about what this grant will mean for our state.”

“This grant will be a big boost for the many Delawareans who are eager to return to the workforce,” said Congressman John Carney. “I’ve visited employment and training centers all over the state – like Goodwill in Bridgeville and West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington. These organizations provide tremendous resources for those looking for work, and help connect employers with Delawareans who meet their needs.  The grant announced today will help these centers do their jobs better, and benefit Delaware employers and job seekers.”

From the U.S. Department of Labor

The U. S. Department of Labor invited states to apply for one-time funding in May and were asked to prioritize training efforts on long-term unemployed workers, many of whom would be likely to soon exhaust their unemployment insurance benefits.  The funding is being provided through Dislocated Workers Training National Emergency Grants.