Fabri-Kal Corp., of Burley will use a $159,000 Workforce Development Training Fund grant from the Idaho Department of Labor to train 53 new employees.
The 53 full-time positions will pay an average wage of $18.87 per hour plus employer-assisted medical benefits.
Read more details in the full news release.
— Idaho Department of Labor
The University of Idaho, Idaho Falls campus, will use a $244,000 training grant from the Idaho Department of Labor to develop an online, 18-credit certification program to train fire protection specialists and engineers.
The university plans to complete training within two years for 30 individuals who will earn an anticipated hourly wage of $23.
Read more details about the grant in the full version of the news release.
— Idaho Department of Labor
AceCo will use a $25,336 Workforce Development Training Fund grant from the Idaho Department of Labor to train 14 new employees at its Boise facilities.
The 14 full-time positions include machinists and technicians with hourly wages expected to range between $12 and $22.25 per hour plus employer-assisted medical benefits.
Read more about the grant in the full news release.
— Idaho Department of Labor
Note: This article was updated on June 8, 2017.
Seasonal work trends leave many employees laid off during specific times of the year.
Understanding your work search requirements while claiming unemployment insurance benefits as a seasonal worker is important for many reasons.
While claiming unemployment benefits, it is mandatory to make two job contacts per week.
If you are job attached, which means you have been laid off or are working reduced hours and will be called back to your previous time job, you may not have to look for work.
However, there is a 16-week limit when collecting unemployment benefits when you are job attached. Claimants must have a return-to-time-work date within 16 weeks of their layoff or reduction in hours or they are required to make job contacts.
These job contacts, which you report when you file your weekly continued claim certification, must be specific and verifiable. Depending on the type of work search contact made, this information may include phone numbers, addresses and the name of the person contacted for the job as well as websites visited (including URL) and confirmation numbers.
Out-migration had a negative impact on population growth in all but one county in south central Idaho from 2010 to 2015.
That one county — Twin Falls — has seen substantial in-migration over the past five years and is likely taking in residents who are leaving other south central Idaho counties, in addition to other parts of the state, the nation and even internationally. This is a boon for the area labor force as both domestic and international in-migration provides a source of diversely skilled workers for businesses. Twin Falls County estimates more than 1,000 foreign in-migration from 2010-2015. This addition of a vibrant, young population with the drive to rise above its previous generations, both economically and academically, is a boost during current challenges posed by an aging population.
Sudden shifts in south central Idaho county populations has traditionally been tied to jobs. In the latest Population Estimate Release from the U.S. Census Bureau, most of the region’s growth over the past year has been related to jobs but not directly. Individuals are applying for jobs and transferring in to work for some the newest companies, expanding ones or research & development companies.
In a competitive labor market, wages are determined by the supply and demand of labor. Over time, a worker’s wages should increase as he or she gains proficiency in the job and obtains more valuable skill sets, or because of changes in the macro economy that influence the demand for those particular skill sets.
Although wages are only a portion of an individual’s income, they are a primary source of income for many Idahoans and an important indicator of their economic wellbeing. As an individual’s wages increase, so does his or her standard of living. This study will evaluate the wage growth of Idaho’s permanent workforce using data collected through Idaho’s unemployment insurance program from 2005 to 2014. Unless otherwise indicated, only those with reported earnings each year are included in the study.
For much of the past decade, the take home pay for Idaho wage earners has been on the rise. In 2005 the reported median annual wage for Idaho’s permanent workforce was $25,061. By 2014 the state’s median wage had increased to $35,146. The $10,000 increase marked 40 percent growth over the decade or 3.8 percent annually.
Over the past few months, eastern Idaho high schools have held career and technology expos to showcase many of the high-tech careers offered throughout the state.
A student watches an instructor during a recent technology expo.
Seven expos were scheduled to take place by the end of spring, allowing students the chance to gain hands-on experience, talk to employers and discover a path to the careers highlighted at each expo.
“This event was beneficial to students and parents because it introduced them to high paying technology jobs they could get with very few years of training,” said Jane Ward, superintendent of the Aberdeen School District. “Many jobs offered to pay for training while they were employed. Jobs were also introduced to students that would allow them to stay in the communities they currently live in.”
The technology expos are a product of a collaboration called YourFit. It was formed by the Idaho National Laboratories, local schools, Idaho State University’s College of Technology, Idaho Department of Labor, local governments and economic development agencies to familiarize high school students and their parents with the technical education available and prepare them for careers in high tech, high wage and high demand careers.
Information provided in this article has been gathered from various sources throughout the state, including professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.
Shoshone County