Delaware Technical Community College is playing a central role in addressing the state’s workforce skills gap, according to an April 23 announcement. As of June 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Delaware had 20,500 unemployed residents and 23,000 open jobs.
This mismatch between available workers and job requirements has prompted state leaders to focus on retraining and education as key solutions. Governor Matt Meyer said, “I said to my wife, ‘Why don’t we get all those people looking for jobs to fill those open seats?’ Then everyone is employed and we’d only have 3,000 unfilled jobs.” He added, “But it’s not that easy. Many of the jobs that employers are looking to fill require skills that the unemployed individuals don’t have. That is where Delaware Tech serves such a critical function — matching Delawareans with programs that teach the skills our workforce needs.”
As Delaware’s only community college, Delaware Tech offers two-year associate degrees, certificates, diplomas, and specialized workforce development training designed to help students upskill or retrain quickly—often in as little as a year. The SEED Scholarship Program further increases access by providing tuition-free options for state residents.
To meet growing demand in fields such as health science, hospitality, and education—which are projected by the Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information to add nearly 30,000 new jobs by 2032—the college has expanded programs like surgical technician and EMT paramedic across more campuses. It has also introduced bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and education.
“Our mission at Delaware Tech is to provide a high-quality workforce for our state,” said College President Mark T. Brainard. “We are in constant communication with our state policy makers and business and community partners to ensure our students leave the College with the knowledge and skills they need to fill in-demand jobs in education, the healthcare sector, law enforcement, and many more.”
Looking ahead at its strategic plan for 2025–26, Delaware Tech will review regional wage data and economic mobility outcomes so each program leads graduates toward living-wage opportunities.
Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay said investment in people remains essential: “If we…don’t invest in retraining citizens…we can’t fulfill the promises we’ve made for tomorrow…In every one of those circumstances…when asked ‘Who will step in?’ Del Tech is the answer.”
