A Skilled, Stable, and Future-Focused Workforce
Delaware’s workforce is our greatest asset. Businesses here gain access to one of the most powerful and highly-educated talent pools in the Midwest, ready to power industries from advanced manufacturing to technology and logistics.
We sit at the heart of a 45-minute “commute-shed” that contains a population of over 1.6 million people and a total labor force of more than 879,000 skilled workers. This massive talent pool provides both the quantity and the quality of human capital required for high-value, high-growth operations.
The Delaware, OH Workforce: By the Numbers
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A Collaborative Workforce System
In Delaware, we don’t just provide access to a labor pool; we are an active partner in building your talent pipeline. We have a shared commitment and a proven “collaborative workforce system” where the city, our education partners, and local employers work in lockstep to create tailored training solutions for expanding industries.
“The City of Delaware’s collaborative environment makes it easy to align resources, respond quickly to business needs, and develop creative, coordinated solutions. It’s rewarding to be part of a community that truly values partnership as the foundation for meaningful workforce impact.”
Kelly Carey | Workforce Specialist, Office of Workforce Development
Your Unmatched Talent Reach
Your talent reach from Delaware is massive. Within an easy 45-minute commute, employers can draw from a population of 1,625,467 and a total labor force of 879,934.
This labor force is not just large; it is highly qualified. The data speaks for itself:
69.1% of the workforce is employed in white-collar professions
46.3% of the population holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher
The local economy boasts a low 2.2% unemployment rate, reflecting a stable, engaged, and professional community.
This combination of a professional, high-achieving workforce and a massive regional labor pool ensures that companies in Delaware can consistently attract and retain the top-tier talent needed to compete.
Building Your Future Pipeline: Our Education Partners
We align our local education programs with employer demand to create a direct career pipeline. 1 Our key partners are at the table, ready to build custom curriculum and training programs to meet your specific needs.
Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU)
A nationally recognized private university, OWU provides a steady pipeline of graduates in business, research, data analytics, and the liberal arts, feeding our “knowledge economy.”
Columbus State (Delaware Campus)
A regional leader in providing accessible associate’s degrees and employer-aligned certifications. Columbus State is our key partner for advanced manufacturing skills and customized workforce training solutions.
Delaware Area Career Center (DACC)
The region’s premier provider of career and technical education. DACC delivers hands-on training for high school students and adults in fields like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity.
Partner With Us to Build Your Team
Our workforce system is ready to partner with you. Learn more about the specific grants, programs, and training solutions available to support your growth in Delaware.