The Advantage of Apprenticeships

Building Delaware’s construction workforce through apprenticeship programs

BY JOHN C. GOODEN

The construction industry, like other industries, faces an ongoing challenge in developing and maintaining a skilled workforce. Apprenticeship programs offer a proven solution that creates value for employers, workers, and the broader Delaware business community.

At M. Davis & Sons, over 100 team members are enrolled in the state of Delaware’s Construction Apprenticeship Program across multiple trades, including pipefitting, plumbing, electrical work, and welding. This investment in workforce development demonstrates how apprenticeships can be leveraged to build a company's talent pipeline while providing valuable career opportunities for our employees.

The apprenticeship model delivers unique advantages for employers. Companies gain workers explicitly trained in their trade while developing loyalty through investment in employee growth. The program structure ensures consistent skill development across trades, with apprentices learning directly from experienced professionals in real-world settings. This hands-on training approach results in workers who are thoroughly prepared for the demands of construction work.

For employees, apprenticeships provide a debt-free path to valuable career credentials. Participants “earn while they learn,” gaining practical on-the-job experience alongside classroom instruction. Upon completion, apprentices receive journeyman certification—a lifetime credential that commands higher wages. The one-on-one mentorship inherent in apprenticeships allows for individualized learning and relationship-building that benefits both the apprentice and the employer.

The community benefits extend beyond individual companies and workers. A robust apprenticeship system helps maintain a skilled local workforce to support Delaware's construction needs. This strengthens the state's ability to attract and retain businesses requiring construction services. Additionally, providing accessible career paths to well-paying jobs creates economic opportunities for Delaware residents.

M. Davis & Sons has created an internal support system for our apprentices by covering program administrative costs and checking to see if there are work or school schedule conflicts to help ensure the employee can attend classes.

Many graduates of the apprenticeship program have advanced into permanent roles, proving that these programs do more than fill current workforce needs—they create long-term career pathways. By fostering skilled professionals who grow within their organizations, companies can ensure a stable, experienced workforce for years to come.

The construction industry's future depends on developing new generations of skilled tradespeople. Apprenticeship programs provide a proven framework for achieving this goal while delivering immediate value to all stakeholders. Delaware construction companies can build workforce capabilities by investing in apprenticeships while contributing to the state's economic development.

For companies considering apprenticeship programs, the state of Delaware Apprenticeship Program offers resources and support to get started.

John C. Gooden is COO at M. Davis & Sons, Inc.