Delaware
Program Category | # of Grants per state | Sum of EDA $ |
---|---|---|
Public Works | 1 | $1,975,800 |
Technical Assistance | 1 | $116,667 |
Grand Total | 2 | $2,092,467 |
Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC) is the only institution in the region that provides advanced technical training for workforce development in skilled trades. As of April 2018, multiple industries that rely on automotive technicians and diesel mechanics including agriculture, fisheries, and the consumer services industry like car dealerships and other automotive service providers, were experiencing unemployment higher than the national average. DTCC sought methods to produce most or all of the skilled workers in many of these sectors by doubling the number of automotive technical training programs and establishing the first and only diesel mechanic training program.
In FY 2018, EDA awarded $1,975,800 in Public Works funds to DTCC for the construction of the Automotive Center of Excellence (ACOE), an automotive and diesel mechanic training facility. The new facility will allow the college to provide certification in this specialized automotive field to address the critical need for diesel mechanics in the area.
With this investment, DTCC has committed to create 43 new jobs as well as retain 44 jobs with an estimated private investment of $1.5 million. In addition, the ACOE created new opportunities for diesel and automotive-related businesses in the region, which will create more high-skilled jobs. Businesses in the region have shown their support for the project through financial and job commitments.