FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 22, 2025
Contact: Sarah Fulton (302) 401-1114
DOVER — The Senate passed legislation Thursday that would strengthen the pipeline of licensed electrical workers in the First State.
Since Delaware’s apprentice electrician license was created, there has been a steady growth of apprentice workers in this field. However, a significant number of those apprentices have not moved forward toward more advanced licensing. Now, the number of these apprentices is at risk of growing beyond the capacity for more senior electrical licensees to safely supervise their work.
Senate Bill 102, sponsored by Sen. Jack Walsh, places fair time restrictions on an apprentice’s ability to work at a more introductory apprentice level, so long as they have completed all of their training to advance to the next level of licensure.
“Apprenticeship is meant to be the first step on a career journey — not a destination,” said Sen. Walsh. “This legislation will help build a stronger, safer, more professional and more permanent electrical workforce here in Delaware.”
SB 102 comes from the Board of Electrical Examiners. Should it pass, the new law will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
“For many people, an apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn the craft while getting valuable hands-on experience. But we also need to make sure that when that training is complete, our apprentices are moving up, earning their licenses, and making room for the next cohort,” said Rep. Ed Osiesnki, House prime sponsor of SB 102. “This bill will make sure that happens by making it clear that apprenticeships are a temporary stepping stone on the way to full licensure and certification.”
SB 102 heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
