Category Archives: News Releases

Start a new career in 2026 at Coeur d’Alene hiring event

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 7, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, Jan. 14, from noon to 3 p.m. in Coeur d’Alene.

The event takes place at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.

Employers attending include Access Care At Home, Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Idaho Division of Veterans Services, Ironwood Rehabilitation and Care Center, North Idaho College, Kootenai Health and more.

Positions to explore include caregivers, production workers, assemblers, office supervisors, medical assistants and others.

Continue reading →

Idaho’s unemployment rate at 3.7% in November

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 7, 2026
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November was 3.7%. This rate matches the 3.7% unemployment rate published in September. October labor force data was not available due to the federal government shutdown.

November’s labor force was 1,011,367 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – was at 62.9%. Total employment was 974,410 and unemployment was 36,957.

Continue reading →

ICONIC program offers construction training in three areas of Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 5, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

ICONIC program offers construction training in three areas of Idaho

A popular program that creates career opportunities for Idaho residents to pursue heavy equipment operation will offer trainings in three areas of the state including Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Boise this year.

The Idaho Career Opportunities – Next in Construction (ICONIC) program is a path to a rewarding career in highway construction. The intensive course involves a mix of classroom and hands-on learning at no cost to the participants.  Students receive certifications in Heavy Equipment Operation, Flagging, Forklift, First Aid/CPR/AED and OSHA-10. Continue reading →

Idaho’s September unemployment rate remains at 3.7%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 11, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged between August and September, staying at 3.7%.

September’s labor force increased by 687 (0.1%) people to 1,010,111 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.1 percentage point between August and September, down to 63%.

Total employment increased by 441 to 972,828 and unemployment increased by 246 (0.7%) to 37,283. Continue reading →

Meet recruiters during holiday season at hiring event, Dec. 17

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 10, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Post Falls.

Stop by the department’s office at 600 N. Thornton St.

Employers attending include Cornerstone Caregiving, the Idaho Division of Veterans Services, Integrated Interventions LLC, Ironwood Rehabilitation and Care Center, North Idaho College, SAGE Truck Driving Schools and more.

Explore career options to become a coach, mentor, records specialist, certified nursing assistant, heating ventilation and air conditioning lead instructor or other role.

Continue reading →

Idaho Department of Labor Rexburg mobile location moves

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 1, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor’s Rexburg mobile location has moved to 314 N. 3rd E.

The location has extended hours of operation and is open to customers Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The location is shared with Eastern Idaho Public Health Madison County Office WIC.

Customers will get the same assistance with resume writing, job applications, interview preparation, job training opportunities, community resources and filing for unemployment insurance benefits that was available at the previous location.

Continue reading →

Report sheds light on past 20 years of economic growth in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Rural Idaho plays a crucial role in the state’s economy and its future. Natural resources, manufacturing and renewable energy production continue to remain central to rural livelihoods, according to a report released this week from the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Profile of Rural Idaho provides an updated look at the state’s rural identity in 2025 and its evolution over the past 20 years since the previous profile was released in 2005. The report is divided into three parts analyzing demographic trends, the economic backbone of rural Idaho and the critical trends shaping the state’s future. Continue reading →

Boise man sentenced for unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 19, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

Bryan Hayhurst, 39, of Boise, pleaded guilty to one felony count of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Benefits, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Hayhurst was sentenced by Ada County Judge Peter Barton on Nov. 19 to five years in prison, with two years fixed and three years indeterminate. Hayhurst was also ordered to pay restitution of $16,083.08 to the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Labor Department requires unemployment insurance (UI) claimants to report accurately when filing each week of their claim. In this case, between April 2020 through July 2020, Hayhurst claimed he had not worked when he had worked and earned wages.

Continue reading →

Webinar spotlights two decades of economic change in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 12, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a webinar focusing on the past 20 years of growth in rural Idaho, Tuesday, Nov. 18.

“Idaho’s population has grown three times as fast as the U.S. This webinar will bring together rural voices and community leaders to speak in detail about their experiences as rural residents,” Labor Market Research Manager Craig Shaul said.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT.

Continue reading →

Hiring event brings job opportunities in Idaho Falls

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event in Idaho Falls, Wednesday, Nov. 12. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Job seekers in the state’s eastern region are invited to arrive at the department’s office for the event. The address is 1515 E. Lincoln Road.

Employers planning to attend range from Bonneville County, Citizens Community Bank, Melaleuca, the Idaho Transportation Department, Lamb Weston, Idaho National Laboratory, Teton Stage Lines, TRIO – Idaho State University and many more.

Continue reading →