NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 2, 2022
Media Contact: Georgia.Smith@labor.idaho.gov

Steve, a retired veteran from the Idaho National Guard, didn’t think attending a job fair would change his life.

But it did. In an amazing way.

To get there, Steve reached out to Kenneth Scott, an Idaho Department of Labor veterans’ representative in Post Falls who provided him with the tools he needed to reach his career goals.

Nowadays, Steve is seen regularly at recruiting events representing Heritage Health in an HR role. He recruits veterans, just like him, for jobs with his employer. He says Idaho Labor’s support made a huge difference in his life.

And he’s not the only veteran, or spouse of a veteran, who may be eligible to receive this kind of support with finding a job.

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

With 116,000 veterans scattered around Idaho, they reside in various counties. According to the 2020 five-year American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, the top 10 counties with the largest share of the population include Elmore (22.1%), Adams (16.6%), Clearwater (14.7%), Lemhi (14.3%), Boise (13.6%), Benewah (13.0%), Gem (12.5%), Bonner (11.9%), Idaho (11.7%) and Lewis (11.7%).

The Idaho Department of Labor serves all veterans in Idaho at our locations, including, 54 mobile locations across the state.

The department specializes in providing support to veterans or eligible spouses who want to transfer skills to a new career that sparks their interest.

These programs include Veterans Readiness and Employment, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and the GI Bill, funded by the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor.

• The Veterans Readiness and Employment program offers training services for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
• The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program provides training and employment for veterans.
• And finally, the GI Bill offers funds for veterans who want to pursue a postsecondary education.

All of these programs offer classroom education, apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job training support for qualified veterans and their spouses. Additional benefits include money for tuition, books and other education materials. U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs for veterans or spouses are available for those who do not qualify for the GI Bill.

HOW WE HELP

In one instance, a veteran named Dave was looking for a career change. He knew what kind of job he wanted and where he wanted to work – in the medical industry. Dave was unknowingly eligible for the GI Bill. The department made him aware of the program and connected him to a college that fit his needs where he signed up for courses to become a registered nurse.

Two different types of veterans representatives are available to serve the state’s veterans. One serves directly, while the other works with employers. Some work in a combination of both roles, helping veterans in multiple ways.

Disabled Veteran Outreach Program workforce consultants work directly with veterans to become job ready, overcome significant barriers to employment and find meaningful work.

Local veteran employment representatives work with employers to hire veterans. They work with chambers of commerce and other business organizations.

Registered Apprenticeships are ideal for veterans too. On-the-job training through apprenticeships give veterans and spouses a choice and an opportunity to learn a trade or skill on the job, going beyond learning in the classroom.

Electrician, police officer, machinist, plumber, brew master, IT technician, IT security, journalism or medical assistant are a few of the many job opportunities veterans and eligible spouses can pursue through apprenticeship.

Throughout this process the Idaho Department of Labor makes sure veterans receive the support they need when making career decisions. While walking into a Labor office in Idaho is certainly ideal, the agency also offers several online tools like JobScape where veterans can learn more about annual wages, job openings and training opportunities.

To find and speak to a veterans representation nearby, check out Labor’s office directory.

-end-

– Lindsay Trombly, Idaho Department of Labor public information specialist