DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO STUDY THE CREATION OF A DELAWARE HEALTHCARE APPRENTICESHIP DEGREE PROGRAM AND TO REPORT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Alonna Berry and 5 co-sponsors

Directs the Delaware Department of Labor to study and report on a statewide Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program to guide policy and potential implementation.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

Executive Summary

Hash: Delaware House Joint Resolution (HJR) 13, 153rd Session, proposes directing the Delaware Department of Labor to study the feasibility and design of a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program. The measure requires the Department to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly. The bill has several Democratic sponsors and was introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House on June 16, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim is to commission a study to explore creating a statewide Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program in Delaware.

The study would evaluate whether an apprenticeship-based pathway can provide an accredited degree aligned with the needs of Delaware’s healthcare sector.

The ultimate goal is to inform policy decisions by offering concrete findings and recommendations to state leadership and legislators.

Key Provisions

Directs the Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct a comprehensive study on creating a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program.

Requires a formal report containing findings and recommendations to be delivered to:

The Governor
The General Assembly

The bill does not, on its face, create the program or establish funding in statute; rather, it initiates an investigative process and policy guidance.

Who Is Affected

Primary: Delaware Department of Labor, which would lead and complete the study.

Indirectly Affected: Stakeholders in Delaware’s healthcare sector, including:

Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care providers seeking talent pipelines.
Postsecondary institutions (colleges/universities) and registered apprenticeship sponsors.
Current and prospective healthcare workers pursuing degree-credentialed apprenticeship pathways.
State policymakers evaluating workforce development strategies and higher education approaches.

Procedures and Timeline

Procedural Step: Introduction and referral to the Administration Committee in the House.

Timing: The bill initiates a study but does not specify exact deadlines within the text provided. The final report would be due to the Governor and General Assembly per the bill’s requirements (date not included here).

Next Steps: If enacted, the Administration Committee or full General Assembly would likely review the DOL’s findings and consider subsequent legislation to implement any recommended programs or funding.

Potential Impacts and Implications

Workforce Development: Could create a structured, work-based degree pathway in healthcare, potentially expanding the pipeline of trained professionals.

Education and Training Alignment: May encourage collaboration between employers, apprenticeship sponsors, and higher education institutions to align curricula with workforce needs.

State Policy Direction: Signals a legislative push toward apprenticeship-based degree pathways as a strategy to address healthcare workforce shortages.

Funding and Implementation: Dependent on the recommendations; subsequent bills or budget actions would determine funding, program scope, and regulatory changes.

Notes for Readers

The bill is a resolution directing study rather than enacting a program itself.

As of the action history, it is at the committee assignment stage; substantive provisions and fiscal implications will emerge if the measure progresses and the DOL completes the study.

Sponsors include several co-sponsors, indicating broad legislative interest in workforce and healthcare education initiatives.