AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DELAWARE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

This Act establishes a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program to be developed by the Department of Labor in partnership with the Department of Eduation. The Departments will work together to create a program that places aspiring healthcare professionals in paid positions in healthcare facilities, while the prospective healthcare applicants complete the training and schooling necessary to become a credentialed healthcare professional. This program will complement the Educator Program to create a low-cost pathway for aspiring healthcare applicants to earn their credits and gain training. Additionally, this Act directs the Department of Labor to engage with Delaware Health and Social Services and Delaware Human Resources to develop future apprenticeship programs to meet the needs of workforces across the State. This Act also provides that the Department of Labor is to consult with stakeholders to make recommendations for other degreed apprenticeship programs beyond healthcare and that the Department must prepare a report of its findings and submit it to the Governor, General Assembly, and the Division of Legislative Services by May 1, 2027.