NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 5, 2023
Media Contact: Matthew.Paskash@labor.idaho.gov
The supply and cost of workers and high labor turnover are among top concerns of Idaho businesses who participated in an Idaho Department of Labor survey this spring.
This inaugural Idaho business climate survey was designed to uncover significant business concerns, desired labor force skills, leadership demographics, remote work trends and future growth expectations among Idaho employers.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 12, 2023
Media Contact: Kellye.Sharp@labor.idaho.gov
Starting Monday, Sept. 18, three new Idaho Department of Labor mobile locations will open in northern Idaho. Locations will be at the Sandpoint Community Resource Envision Center, the Sandpoint Library and VFW Post 10320 in Clark Fork – making 31 mobile locations available across Idaho.
The expansion will provide more options for residents to use Labor’s services in the northern region, such as helping with writing resumes, applying for jobs, prepping for interviews and filing for unemployment insurance benefits. Additionally, job training and other community resources are available.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 9, 2023
Media Contact: micaela.deloyola-carkin@labor.idaho.gov
AmeriCorps and Serve Idaho Commission members and staff will come together in Jerome, Shoshone, Twin Falls and Gooding to participate in the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. The two groups will lead the community and encourage participation in a month-long donation drive to benefit Project Succeed, which distributes school supplies to teachers in the Magic Valley.
Donations for Project Succeed can be dropped off at the following locations between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. between Sept. 8 – 30.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 6, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
According to the U.S Census Bureau, there were 122,331 veterans living in Idaho in 2021, or 8.6% of the total adult population. Quite a few re-enter the workforce after their service.
Two Idaho Department of Labor economists, Matthew Paskash and Ryan Whitesides, will present labor market information on the state’s veteran population and desirable workforce traits of veterans at a free webinar, Tuesday Sept. 12. Continue reading
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Aug. 18, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov
Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate experienced a slight increase in July, rising from June’s rate of 2.7% to 2.8%.
July’s labor force – workers who are employed or unemployed but looking for work – increased by 1,058 people to 965,314.
Idaho’s labor force participation rate – the percentage of the non-institutionalized civilian population at least 16 years of age and older in the labor force – decreased to 62.4% in July from 62.5% in June.
Total employment decreased by 453 to 938,097 while unemployment increased by 1,511 to 27,217.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Aug. 11, 2023
Media Contact: Keeler.Crawford@labor.idaho.gov
Historically low unemployment continues to boost wages and the number of job openings in northern Idaho. Many of those jobs will be featured at a hiring event Aug. 16 in Post Falls.
Job seekers will find a large variety of job opportunities from construction work to caregiving. Many of the more than 25 employers represented are looking to fill multiple positions.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Idaho Department of Labor Post Falls office, 600 N. Thornton St.
A sampling of job titles includes machine operator, cashier/shipping clerk, caregivers, sales reps, corrections officer, cook, warehouse associate, painters, afterschool coaches, dental assistant, tax professionals, welder, CNC machinist, millwright, forklift operator, transportation dispatch and many more.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Aug. 9, 2023
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov
Serve Idaho recently received a $4,339,065 grant to fund the AmeriCorps programs in Idaho from 2023 to 2024.
Nearly 370 AmeriCorps members will be supporting efforts to provide communities with low-income access to health care, education and mental health services, and serving on environmental education and restoration projects throughout Idaho.
AmeriCorps members give a year of intensive service on a full-time or part-time basis. Idaho’s AmeriCorps programs are funded by the federal agency AmeriCorps through Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. Continue reading
Gov. Brad Little appointed nine new commissioners to the Serve Idaho Commission. They add to the existing commission of 13.
“The new commissioners bring a passion for volunteerism and AmeriCorps in their communities,” program manager Renee Bade said. “We are excited to welcome them to the commission to share their expertise in advancing service across Idaho.”
Commissioners are listed below per region.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Aug. 4, 2023
Media Contact: Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov
Out of all metropolitan areas in the Gem State, Lewiston has the highest median wages for skilled trade workers. Electricians and plumbers make up to $60,000 a year, where welders and HVAC technicians can make $50,000. With Lewiston’s growth – the population has increased by more than 500 residents each year since 2020 – the demand for skilled trades will also increase.
To help residents learn about these career fields, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a Skilled Trade Career event Thursday, Aug. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees can explore careers in HVAC, plumbing, welding and electrical industries.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Aug. 2, 2023
Media Contact: Craig,Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
“Is the U.S, headed for a recession?” has been making headlines for some time, in part from COVID-19 pandemic fallout. Inflation has slowed, which is a positive sign, but how resilient is Idaho’s economy.
Currently, unemployment in Idaho is at 2.7%, and the monthly job reports are robust and the state has seen strong GDP growth.
The Idaho Department of Labor, will explore this data during our monthly labor market webinar on Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon (MDT) over Zoom.