What Is It Known For?
The Delaware Skills Center, founded in 1963, is a publicly funded adult vocational training center located in Wilmington, Delaware. Operating as part of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, the center offers accessible skills training and job placement assistance to Delaware residents.
While enrollment figures are not readily available, the Delaware Skills Center provides a range of educational programs, including Adult Education, GED preparation, and Apprenticeship Technical Training, which can lead to professional certifications or multi-year apprenticeships.
Degrees & Certifications
The Delaware Skills Center offers a variety of hands-on training programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. Upon completion of these programs, students can earn diplomas, certificates, or professional certifications, depending on their chosen field of study.
Here’s what the school offers:
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Electrical Trades
- Welding & Fabrication
- Computer Network Support
- Medical Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Licensed Practical Nursing
Class Schedules
The Delaware Skills Center offers a range of class times to fit different schedules. Morning classes start at 7 am and end by 3:30 pm. For those who prefer evening hours, there’s a welding class on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. All classes are in-person, mixing hands-on practice with classroom learning in workplace-like settings.
Thanks to long-standing relationships with local companies, securing employment becomes straightforward after completing these career-focused programs. Currently, classes happen on-campus without online alternatives available.
Is It Legit?
Absolutely. While we couldn’t find specific details about the institution’s accreditation, the school’s website confirms that all instructors are NCCER-certified and follow the NCCER Core and NCCER Level 1 curriculum. Additionally, several programs have programmatic accreditation. For example, their LPN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Acceptance Rate
No mention of the school’s acceptance rate but they have requirements for enrollment which you should review before trying to join the school.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Based on the DSC Course Guide 2024-2025, tuition fees range from $2,565 for the most affordable option, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course, up to $13,600 for the highest-priced program, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) course. The school does not currently offer an online net price calculator.
We suggest reaching out to them directly for more details on tuition and fees.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Carpentry
- CDL
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
Healthcare
- CNA
- LPN
Campus Locations
New Castle 500 Ships Landing Way, New Castle, DE 19720
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Delaware Skills Center has a stellar reputation, with an almost perfect rating. The vast majority of the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, citing exceptional instructors and life-changing career outcomes.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Life-Changing Instructors: The most frequent and detailed praise is directed at the instructors, particularly in the welding and HVAC programs. Reviewers describe them as knowledgeable, dedicated, and caring. Students state that these instructors teach not just the trade, but also valuable life skills like discipline and professionalism, which helps them transition smoothly into their careers.
Excellent Career Outcomes: Many graduates report getting a job in their new field immediately after finishing the program, often making a “livable wage” for the first time. They state that the skills learned led to “big money” and allowed them to “save up and pay my bills at the same time.”
Supportive and Professional Staff: The reviews consistently mention a great staff who are willing to help with everything from learning fundamentals to securing funding for classes. The center is also noted for providing a positive and welcoming environment where students feel supported.
Hands-On and Comprehensive Programs: Reviewers appreciate the hands-on nature of the training. Students with zero prior knowledge report becoming well-versed in multiple welding techniques and other skills, crediting the comprehensive curriculum.
Common Criticisms
The provided reviews contain very few criticisms. A single older review from five years ago alleges that the director was “terrible” and “disrespectful,” but this seems to be an isolated incident with no supporting reviews from a similar time.
Momentum
The reviews show a consistently strong positive momentum. Many of the most detailed and positive reviews are from the last year, with an overwhelming number of graduates expressing gratitude and satisfaction with their experience, particularly with the welding program. The school’s quick and personalized responses to reviews also suggest a strong commitment to engaging with its students.