PHOTO RELEASE: Rep. McBride Highlights $1 Million Federal Investment in Delaware Workforce Training Programs

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Today, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) visited the Delaware Skills Center to highlight the $1 million in Community Project Funding she secured to support the purchase and renovation of a permanent facility for the Delaware Skills Center and the New Castle County Vo-Tech Adult Education Division. Photos from the visit can be found here.

"One of the best ways we can help Delawareans build stable, secure futures is by expanding access to workforce training," said Rep. McBride. "This federal investment will help more Delawareans gain the skills they need to thrive in high-demand industries while strengthening our workforce and supporting our economy. I'm proud to have secured this funding to help these programs expand their impact and continue connecting Delawareans with pathways to good-paying jobs."

The investment will allow the two workforce training programs to consolidate operations into a single, state-owned facility, expanding training capacity, improving efficiency, reducing long-term operating costs, and strengthening Delaware's workforce pipeline. The project will help to eliminate ongoing rental expenses while creating opportunities for future growth and will help ensure students continue to have access to the hands-on training, clinical experiences, and workforce development resources they need to succeed.

During the visit, Rep. McBride toured the Delaware Skills Center, which is currently operating at full capacity and serving a growing demand for workforce training, met with students and program leaders, and observed firsthand the hands-on learning experiences that prepare Delawareans for careers in healthcare, skilled trades, and other in demand industries.

The Delaware Skills Center and the New Castle County Vo-Tech Adult Education Division collectively serve more than 2,000 adult learners each year and maintain a 96 percent completion rate. Together, the programs provide workforce training, GED preparation, English language learning opportunities, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials that help students enter or advance in the workforce.

"We're grateful to Congresswoman McBride for helping secure these federal funds to support the future of workforce training in Delaware," said New Castle County Vo-Tech School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Jones. "This investment will help us identify and develop a permanent home for the Delaware Skills Center and Adult Education programs, creating more space for training, expanding opportunities for students, and allowing us to serve even more Delawareans. Ultimately, this project is about helping people gain the skills, credentials, and confidence they need to build successful careers and achieve the dignity of work."

The Community Project Funding process is part of a year-long effort during which McBride's office reviewed applications for vital community projects across Delaware. Each Member of Congress was permitted to submit up to 15 requests to the House Committee on Appropriations for consideration. McBride secured funding for all 15 of her requests, totaling over $19 million, through the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations process.

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