I am a 46-year-old Black woman with three years of experience in the electrical field. Despite having a solid resume, I have faced huge challenges in securing an apprenticeship with Sponsoring businesses, Master Electricians & Journeymen. And I'm not alone. Many qualified individuals are being overlooked and denied the opportunity to earn the necessary hours to advance in their careers, simply because of a stringent rule that only allows one Journeyman or Master Electrician to sponsor and provide hours for a single Licensed Electrical Apprentice at a time.

This rule disproportionately affects all companies, businesses, women and minorities like myself, as well as young people who are eager to step into the electrical trade. 

 AND Why are Journeymen & Master Electrician NOT Allow to sponsor & give hours their children or family, But as parents & family responsibility is to helping & teaching our children & new generation how to become Sefull adults & professional in the the future regardless of regulations or laws, So can we make this Fair to everyone...Before you could take a 1yrs Electrical class in High school & be considered a certified Journeymen, Now the new generation has to take a "4yr class & work 8,000hrs" for 1 of the 5% of licensed businesses that's sponsoring because of how many their allowed to have...to become a Journeymen! 

  This bottleneck restricts opportunities for deserving apprentices and stifles diversity in a field that desperately needs it.

By allowing Journeymen and Masters to sponsor more than one apprentice at a time, we can open up numerous opportunities for eager, hardworking individuals who are ready to contribute to Delaware's workforce. This change would help create a more vibrant and inclusive electrical trade community. It would address the current shortage of skilled electricians by ensuring a constant flow of qualified personnel into the field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for electricians is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. Expanding this rule in Delaware to allow more than one apprentice per Journeyman or Master will not only benefit those currently seeking apprenticeships but will also provide a sustainable solution to meet the increasing demand for skilled electricians.

This is a crucial step toward equity and opportunity in the trade profession. I urge the Delaware Department of Labor and the state's regulatory bodies to consider this change. By signing this petition, you can help pave the way for fairness and opportunity for all aspiring electricians in Delaware. Please sign and support this important change.