Monthly Archives: December 2023

Idaho’s labor force training options expand

Woman gets on-the-job training experience

Modern in-state approaches for skills training, financial resources, and mental health stability of Idaho’s current and future workforce

High levels of net in-migration over the last few years puts Idaho in an enviable position. Nearly every industry is expected to experience job growth over the next 5-10 years. However, the state’s tight labor market and low unemployment rates are causing an imbalance between high employer demand for qualified labor and the lower, constrained supply of worker skill and availability.

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Around Idaho: Economic activity, December 2023

Information provided in these news updates is from professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North Central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South Central Idaho
Southeastern
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO – Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai

Region

Labor demand in northern Idaho remains robust, with elevated levels of unfilled jobs. In total, there were 1,341 job postings in northern Idaho in November 2023, according to data from the Conference Board, of which 1,130 were posted in Kootenai County. The most in-demand occupation was retail salespersons, followed by registered nurses.

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Idaho’s 2023 population growth outpaces the nation

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 5, 2024
Media Contact: Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s population growth in 2023 was double the national average of 0.5%. The U.S. added 1.6 million people, bringing its population estimate to 334,914,895 — higher than the growth rate of 0.4% in 2022 and 0.2% in 2021.

The U.S. Census estimates Idaho’s July 2023 population at 1,964,726 — an increase of 1.3% from July 2022 — ranking it fourth nationally in percentage growth. Despite the state’s position as 17th in numerical growth and falling from its top 10 status of the past two years, Idaho still outpaces the national population growth rate.

While most states experienced a population rebound from 2022 to 2023, only eight saw a decline — a contrast to the 18 declining states from 2021 to 2022.

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Idaho volunteer finds home for her expertise through AmeriCorps

Karen Swenson dedicated 30 years of her life to education.

When she retired and moved back to Idaho to help care for her parents, she knew there was something else she wanted to do, she just wasn’t sure what.

She was supporting her family and playing grandma. Then, she saw an advertisement to become an AmeriCorps member.

“I applied and here I am,” Swenson said, with a smile.

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Idaho’s 15% median household income growth highest in nation

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 28, 2023
Media Contact: Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov

Correction: language was added to clarify that Idaho’s median household income growth (in dollar amount) of $9,153 ranked 5th in the nation, not Idaho’s overall median household income ($70,214).
Correction: the formatting of the y-axis for Figure 2 has been corrected, the previous version incorrectly listed dollar amounts.

-Housing units surge by 57,000-

Idaho led the nation for median household income growth at a rate of 15%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018-2022 American Community Survey. The state’s median household income increased by $9,153 from the 2013-2017 survey, ranking 5th in the nation for dollar-for-dollar growth. The 2018-2022 survey puts Idaho’s median household income at $70,214. The American Community Survey also provides multi-year estimates for all 50 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

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Idaho November unemployment rate edges up to 3.3%

-State second in nation for nonfarm job growth at 3.1%-

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.3% in November from 3.2% in October.

The state’s labor force increased by 2,771 people (0.3%) to 973,924.

Idaho’s labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work – increased from October’s 62.4% to 62.5% in November.

Total employment increased by 2,017 (0.2%) to 941,711 as unemployment increased by 754 (2.4%) to 32,213.

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Federal labor law posters available for FREE to Idaho businesses

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 20, 2023
Media Contact: Lindsay.Trombly@labor.idaho.gov

Many Idaho businesses don’t know the required labor law posters some companies try to sell them are available for download from the state and federal labor departments for free.

Several statutes and regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor require employers to make labor law posters available to employees and/or post them in the workplace.

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Apprenticeship Spotlight: Idaho businesses focus on family with apprenticeship opportunities

Long-term staffing can be challenging for small family-owned Idaho businesses. Finding and hiring talent can also be a costly burden in a tight labor market. A fully trained candidate expects higher wages, and the cost to train a job candidate can be expensive.

Some Idaho businesses are turning to the Idaho Registered Apprenticeship program to train their children and keep the business in the family.

Aspen Air Design – Malad

Aspen Air Design has been in the HVAC business since 2008 and has locations in Idaho (Rexburg and Malad) as well as Utah.

As owner Virginia Edlefsen experienced hiring challenges, she noticed her 16-year-old grandson Leonardo Dirilo took interest in her business and decided to give him some valuable work experience as a Registered Apprentice.

“He’s handy with tools and he’s very mechanically inclined and likes to be working,” she said. “He likes to work, and the labor of it. He’s quite talented at building metal and putting things together. He’s a quick learner.”

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10 Mini-Cassia area students enroll in Machine Operator Registered Apprenticeship program

Machine operator apprenticesIndustry and education leaders came together in Burley on Nov. 14 to celebrate and support 10 new students who signed contracts and enrolled in the Machine Operator School-to-Registered Apprenticeship Program (STRAP). The program began in 2017 and continues to be a great option for high school students interested in careers in the manufacturing industry.

McCain Foods and High Desert Milk, program supporters from the beginning, consistently participate, support and provide opportunities for local students to train for food processing jobs in high demand occupations at their companies.

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Job opportunities available at monthly Post Falls hiring event Dec. 12

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 6, 2023
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is holding its monthly hiring event on Tuesday, Dec. 12 with a wide variety of available job opportunities.

Job seekers can stop by the department’s Post Falls office, 600 N Thornton St., anytime from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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