Category Archives: News Releases

Meridian’s population grows with many jobs available

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 1, 2023
Media Contact: Sheri.Phimmasone@labor.idaho.gov

– Winter Hiring Event scheduled for Dec. 8 –

Meridian is the second largest city in Idaho with 129,736 residents. It grew by almost 4,000 people between 2021 and 2022, with a 3.2% growth rate. Nampa came in first place.

“Meridian’s civilian labor force grew by 6.2% since November of 2022, adding almost 4,000 people to the labor force,” said Idaho labor economist Jan Roeser. “There are many opportunities for job seekers to connect with employers.”

With Meridian’s population continuing to grow, many employers have job vacancies to fill.

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Labor’s business seminars wrap up for the year with UI Tax Compliance

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2023
Media Contact: Kandi.Rudd@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho businesses and employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) tax compliance from the Idaho Department of Labor during a free Zoom seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. (MDT).

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Idaho’s October unemployment rate edges up to 3.2%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 17, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

– State leads the nation in over-the-year nonfarm job growth at 3.5% –

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.2% in October from 3.1% in September.

The state’s labor force increased by 1,900 people (0.2%) to 971,208.

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

Total employment increased by 693 (0.1%) to 939,743 as unemployment increased by 1,207 (4.6%) to 31,465 – the highest number of unemployed in Idaho since June 2021.

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Women in the transportation and trades featured in Apprenticeship Idaho webinar Nov. 16

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 8, 2023
Media Contact: Gina.Robison@labor.idaho.gov

Those interested in exploring a career in transportation and trades can learn about how apprenticeships can help “earn while you learn” in a free webinar Nov.16, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. via Zoom.

The Idaho Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau are partnering with Apprenticeship Idaho to host this event.

Apprenticeship is an alternative pathway to a meaningful career. It offers paid on-the-job training that can lead to a certificate or recognized credential. Women who pursue apprenticeship can attest to better-than-average pay, benefits and career advancement opportunities, according to recent research from the Urban Institute.

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Over 100 jobs available at Post Falls hiring event Nov. 15

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 8, 2023
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

Estimates indicate there are currently 1,400 total job openings in Kootenai County. The top five industries hiring in northern Idaho include administrative and support services; ambulatory health care services; food service and drinking places; professional, scientific and technical services and insurance carriers and related services, according to Sam Wolkenhauer, Idaho Department of Labor regional economist.

Employers seeking workers for some of these positions will be meeting with job seekers at Labor’s Post Falls monthly hiring event Nov. 15. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m at the Post Falls Labor office, 600 N. Thornton St.

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Nov. 14 webinar explores positive economic changes in Idaho since 2013

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 7, 2023
Media Contact: Craig,Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

With the new year on the horizon, Idaho Department of Labor Research Analyst Supervisor Craig Shaul will explore the many economic changes the Gem State has experienced since 2013.

Shaul will guide the conversation based on the long-term projections of Idaho’s industries and occupations to provide context into the past 10 years – including the state’s growth and labor market developments.

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Montpelier volunteer recognized at Idaho Capital for a Day

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 26, 2023
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Larry Vila of Montpelier was honored for his volunteer service as part of the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Image: Larry VilaServe Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Vila with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exemplary volunteer service. He has volunteered with the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation for more than eight years helping them with their mission, “to strengthen community health by developing, improving and expanding the facilities, services and initiatives of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.”

“Larry has helped many people in so many ways it’s hard to name just one thing. He provided more than 2,000 hours of service last year alone. We have an elderly group of volunteers at our thrift store and Larry goes out of his way to ensure each one is taken care of. His service and kindness have lifted the spirits of many individuals throughout our community over the years,” said Shane Johnson, director of the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation. Continue reading →

Rewarding careers available to veterans, Oct. 27, at Labor job fair in Boise

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 20, 2023
Media Contact: Matt.Bennett@labor.idaho.gov

Veterans can connect to employers who are looking, specifically, for veterans to fill job positions at a job fair Friday, Oct. 27.

The job fair will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Boise State University’s Student Union building in the Jordan Ballroom. The address is 1700 University Drive.

It’s beneficial for veterans to attend this event, Veterans Representative Matt Bennett said. “It is one of few in the Boise area.”

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Idaho’s September unemployment rate increases to 3.1%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 20, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho third in the nation for over-the-year nonfarm job growth

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in September, rising by one-tenth of a percent to 3.1% from 3% in August.

September’s labor force increased by 2,171 people (0.2%) to 969,376.

Idaho’s labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are employed or looking for work if unemployed — remained at 62.4% in September.

Total employment increased by 852 (0.1%) to 939,110 as unemployment increased by 1,319 (4.6%) to 30,266 — the highest number of unemployed in Idaho since June 2021.

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Labor offers mobile services in five eastern Idaho communities

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 17, 2023
Media Contact: Jill.Kleist@labor.idaho.gov

Idahoans living in rural and remote areas of eastern Idaho can now get help finding a job in five mobile locations.

In addition to the department’s brick-and-mortar office in Idaho Falls, job seekers can access the department’s services in Ashton, Challis, Rexburg, Salmon and St. Anthony.

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