Category Archives: News Releases

Idaho’s July unemployment rate increases to 3.5%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 16, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov or
John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5% in July, an increase from June’s rate of 3.4%.

The state’s labor force increased by 3,922 people (0.4%) to 981,851 while the labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work — increased from 62.8% to 62.9% between June and July.

Total employment increased by 3,001 (0.3%) to 947,774 as unemployment increased by 921 (2.8%) to 34,077. Continue reading →

Learn about in-demand skilled trades in Lewiston, Aug. 22

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 15, 2024
Media Contact: Misti.Sullivan@labor.idaho.gov

Job openings continue to increase in Idaho in the skilled trades industry — specifically for welders, plumbers, electricians, commercial driver’s license workers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) workers.

When looking at total employment, the Lewiston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)’s rate of welders is nearly five times the U.S. national average. In fact, the Lewiston MSA ranks in the top five MSAs nationally for its employment concentration of welders, according to Labor Economist Lisa Grigg.

“With the 2023 median annual wage of $56,000, the Lewiston MSA has the highest median wages for welders and exceeds 20% above the statewide average of $46,000,” Grigg said.

Continue reading →

Multiple jobs available at Post Falls hiring event, Aug. 21

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 14, 2024
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

Job seekers are invited to a hiring event Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Post Falls office. The address is 600 N. Thornton St.

“Job fairs are vital for job seekers as they offer a chance to connect with many employers, learn about different companies and explore various career opportunities all in one place,” Workforce Consultant Tara McKelvey said.

Continue reading →

Upcoming webinar will discuss Idaho’s housing and labor market, Aug. 20

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 13, 2024
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Economist Sam Wolkenhauer will present on the housing market and examine trends in construction activity, interest rates and the rental market at a free webinar Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The presentation takes place from 11 a.m. to noon MDT over Zoom.

Wolkenhauer’s findings will form a complete picture of housing availability, affordability and reasonable expectations for the market’s coming trajectory.

Continue reading →

Free apprenticeship children’s book is available for schools to order

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 8, 2024
Media Contact: Gina.Robison@labor.idaho.gov

The children’s book, “Booper Dreams Big: An Almost True Story of Apprenticeship,” is available for Idaho schools and libraries to order before Aug. 30 at no cost. Booper Dreams Big cover

Kindergarten to fifth grade students will follow Booper the dog as he learns the value of career education through his apprenticeship as a satellite technician.

The book was created on behalf of the Idaho Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Idaho program and comes in both English and bilingual (English-Spanish) versions.

Continue reading →

Industries in the Idaho Falls area see an increase in job postings

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 1, 2024
Media Contact: Maria.Martin@labor.idaho.gov

Job postings in construction, education services, finance and insurance, manufacturing, transportation and material handling industries have increased this past month, said Labor Economist Ryan Whitesides.

“We are seeing a rare state of equilibrium based on the amount of unemployed people and the number of jobs being posted locally. They both were at around 1,100 as of June,” Whitesides said. “With area unemployment sitting at 3.1%, finding a job is a bit more competitive than it was say one, or even two years ago.”

Continue reading →

Despite Rexburg’s low unemployment rate, employers continue to fill job openings

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 31, 2024
Media Contact: Maria.Martin@labor.idaho.gov

Since June, Rexburg’s labor market area has had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.8%, according to Labor Economist Ryan Whitesides with the Idaho Department of Labor.

“This unemployment rate bodes well with a reduced competition for jobs, especially this time of year,” Whitesides said. “It’s more of a job seekers’ market in the Rexburg area.”

To help connect job seekers to opportunities, the department is hosting a hiring event, Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building in Rexburg. The address is 480 W. 2nd N.

Continue reading →

Idaho’s June unemployment rate increases to 3.4%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 19, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov
or Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4% in June, an increase from May’s rate of 3.3%.

The state’s labor force increased by 2,227 people (0.2%) to 977,902 while the labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work — increased from 62.7% to 62.8% between May and June.

Total employment increased by 1,649 (0.2%) to 944,740 as unemployment increased by 578 (1.8%) to 33,162.

Continue reading →

Over 1,000 job postings in Boise, employers looking to fill positions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2024
Media Contact: Sheri.Phimmasone@labor.idaho.gov

The top three occupations in Boise with the most job postings in June were registered nurses, retail salespersons and software developers, according to Labor Economist Jan Roeser.

With employers looking to fill open positions, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a Multi-Employer Job Fair, Wednesday, July 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hewlett Packard (otherwise known as the HP Campus) in the Les Bois Conference Room. The address is 11311 W. Chinden Blvd.

Continue reading →

Business openings and job opportunities continue to increase in Canyon County

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2024
Media Contact: Traci.Petitt@labor.idaho.gov

Economic growth since the pandemic has climbed in Canyon County with about 50% more businesses and 20% more jobs. During that same time frame, the county’s average wage grew by 30% compared to inflation at 19%, said Labor Economist with the Idaho Department of Labor Jan Roeser.

“Prospects are encouraging for the area that continue to see housing developments and home values increase in step with its job market,” Roeser said.

To connect job seekers to the many job opportunities and resources in Canyon County, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a career and resource fair, Thursday, July 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Nampa Public Library. The address is 215 12th Ave. S.

Continue reading →