Delaware Reaches Record 2,117 Registered Apprentices

Growth in education, healthcare, and other nontraditional occupations creates new career pathways for Delawareans

Wilmington, Delaware - As of August 2026, Delaware has reached a historic milestone of 2,117 registered apprentices, the highest number ever recorded in the state.

The achievement reflects Delaware's continued investment in Registered Apprenticeship and its work to expand the model beyond traditional trades into high-demand industries and occupations. New and growing programs in education and healthcare, including teacher and community health worker apprenticeships, are helping more Delawareans earn wages, receive structured training, and build careers while addressing critical workforce needs.

"Reaching a record 2,117 registered apprentices is an important milestone for Delaware and, more importantly, for the individuals gaining access to meaningful careers," said Delaware Secretary of Labor LaKresha Moultrie. "By expanding apprenticeship into new industries, we are creating more opportunities for Delawareans while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need."

Delaware's teacher apprenticeship programs have grown significantly in just three years. Beginning with 10 teacher apprentices in 2024, the program expanded to 38 in 2025 and added another 67 in 2026. In total, 115 Delawareans have entered teacher apprenticeship programs, expanding accessible pathways into the classroom and helping schools build a strong pipeline of educators.

Registered Apprenticeship is also strengthening Delaware's healthcare workforce. In 2024, the Rural Health Coalition launched a Community Health Worker apprenticeship program with three apprentices. An additional 38 apprentices joined the program in 2025 and 2026, bringing the total to 41. Building on this success, the Coalition is now developing a second Registered Apprenticeship Program for Peer Specialists.

"Delaware's record growth shows that Registered Apprenticeship can be a powerful workforce development strategy across many industries," said Joe Olivere, Chief of Apprenticeship for the Delaware Department of Labor. "By working directly with employers and partners to build programs in education, healthcare, and other emerging fields, we are creating more ways for Delawareans to earn while they learn and helping organizations develop the skilled talent they need."

Registered Apprenticeship programs combine paid employment, progressive wage increases, on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and a nationally recognized credential. The model provides employers with a proven strategy for developing and retaining talent while giving apprentices a clear pathway to long-term career growth.

"Registered Apprenticeship is one of the most effective ways to connect learning directly to employment," said Joanna Staib, Director of the Delaware Division of Employment & Training. "This record growth demonstrates what is possible when employers, education partners, labor organizations, and state agencies work together. Expanding apprenticeship into education, healthcare, and other nontraditional fields allows us to respond directly to Delaware's workforce needs while opening doors to careers that may have previously felt out of reach."

The Delaware Department of Labor will continue working with employers and partners to develop apprenticeship programs in both traditional and emerging industries, strengthen pathways beginning in high school, and ensure that more Delawareans can access earn-and-learn opportunities.

Employers interested in developing a Registered Apprenticeship program and individuals interested in apprenticeship opportunities can learn more by visiting Apprenticeship and Training - Delaware Department of Labor

About the Delaware Department of Labor

The Delaware Department of Labor connects people with employment and training opportunities, supports employers in meeting their workforce needs, protects workers, and strengthens Delaware's economy.

Media Inquiries:
Jeffrey Powell, Chief of Staff, Delaware Department of Labor
[email protected], 302-761-8005