WILMINGTON, DE — The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) has unveiled a new initiative that offers apprenticeship graduates up to 42 college credits at Wilmington University. The Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path™) for the Vocational Workforce creates a seamless pathway for individuals who have completed registered apprenticeship programs to continue their education without starting from scratch.
This initiative targets a wide audience, including high school graduates venturing into apprenticeships, current apprentices, individuals with past apprenticeship experience, and seasoned journeypersons aiming to enhance their careers with a college degree. It represents a significant shift in recognizing the value of hands-on experience and technical skills acquired through apprenticeships in the academic arena.
DOL Secretary Karryl Hubbard expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Wilmington University, emphasizing the program’s potential to provide vocational trainees with a unique opportunity to earn a degree. The initiative underscores a growing acknowledgment of the importance of integrating vocational training with formal education to create more comprehensive career pathways.
Employers stand to benefit from this program as well, as it offers a compelling incentive to retain valuable employees by supporting their pursuit of higher education. For journeypersons, the STEP Path™ presents an opportunity to translate years of job experience and training into substantial college credit, potentially fast-tracking their path to a degree relevant to their field.
Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon highlighted the alignment of this partnership with the university’s mission to prepare students for successful careers in trade-oriented professions. This collaboration opens new doors for high school and vocational-technical students, as well as adults at various stages of their apprenticeship journeys, offering them a chance to advance their education and career prospects simultaneously.
The initiative also aims to expand opportunities in the building trades and other industries, according to Jazelle Plummer, Apprenticeship & Training Manager for DOL’s Division of Employment Training. By promoting registered apprenticeship programs as a viable path not only to employment but also to higher education, Delaware is taking a major step toward fostering a more skilled, versatile, and educated workforce.
For high school and vocational-technical students contemplating an apprenticeship, as well as adults looking to start or complete one, the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship stands ready to guide them through their options and the process.
By connecting the dots between apprenticeship and college education, Delaware’s STEP Path™ program is poised to redefine pathways to success, making it possible for more individuals to achieve their career and educational goals while addressing the evolving needs of the workforce.
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