GEORGETOWN — The Vocational Technical School Districts — New Castle County Vo-Tech, Polytech and Sussex Tech — are excited on behalf of students for the new Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path) for the vocational workforce.

In May, the Delaware Department of Labor announced a new partnership with Wilmington University. The Smart Transfer Enrollment Program initiative allows for individuals enrolled in select registered apprenticeship programs at the statewide vo-techs to earn up to 42 college credits toward a bachelor’s degree at Wilmington University.

Kelly Whaley, director of Sussex Tech Adult Education, said, “We are excited for this new partnership between the Delaware Department of Labor and Wilmington University and the opportunities it opens for our apprenticeship students.”

Mark Wilson, NCCVT’s supervisor of Apprenticeship and Technical Training Programs in the Adult Education Division, said, “The partnership between Delaware's Department of Labor and Wilmington University, granting up to 42 college credits to apprenticeship graduates, facilitates career progression for students and ensures employers have access a pool of skilled professionals adept in both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.”

Betsy Jones, director of Polytech Adult Education, said, "The registered apprenticeship programs offered at each of our county adult technical centers are the proven model for learning a skilled trade and earning a highly valued industry credential, the Journeyperson Certificate. The Wilmington University STEP Path program recognizes the real-world value of these programs by providing graduates with additional career options. This is one more example of how registered apprenticeship pays dividends in our workforce and for our economy."