Workforce training program expands to Sussex County

A program enabling high school students to earn college credit by learning manufacturing skills from area employers has been expanded into Sussex County.

The initiative is part of Pathways to Prosperity, a partnership to prepare students with skills to work in fields such as computer science, culinary arts and hospitality management, manufacturing, biomedical science and engineering.

Under the Sussex County expansion, 20 students from Woodbridge and Seaford high schools will participate in the program's manufacturing tract.

"The path to a fulfilling career and financial security is not what it was 30 years ago – so our approach to career preparation can't be either," Gov. Jack Markell said Wednesday in a speech announcing the Sussex County launch.

Markell's comment came at Woodbridge High, where he met with a group of 30 students from the participating schools who are interested in the program.

Heath Chasanov, superintendent of Woodbridge School District; David Perrington, superintendent of Seaford School District; Luke Rhine, director of the Delaware Department of Education Career and Technical Education; Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Technical Community College; and Brian Nixon, chair of the Delaware Manufacturing Association, joined the governor.