Category Archives: News Releases

Labor’s Sept. 12 webinar will focus on Idaho’s veteran population

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 →

Idaho’s July unemployment rate increases to 2.8%

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.

Continue reading →

Post Falls hiring event Aug. 16 features employers hiring for multiple positions

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.

Continue reading →

Idaho awarded more than $4.3 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs

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.

Serve Idaho logoNearly 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. Little appoints nine new commissioners to Serve Idaho

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.

Continue reading →

Learn about the trades at Lewiston’s Skilled Trade Career Event, Aug. 10

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.

Continue reading →

Labor market webinar, Aug. 8, will explore Idaho’s economic resiliency

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.

Continue reading →

Orofino mobile Labor location relocates today

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 31, 2023
Media Contact: Misti.Sullivan@labor.idaho.gov

Effective today, the Idaho Department of Labor’s Orofino mobile location has moved. Its new location is 416 Johnson Ave. Suite 19.

The new location will continue its usual operating hours of Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. The mobile location will also be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional meeting times are available by appointment.

Continue reading →

Idaho Falls outdoor job fair July 26 offers multiple job opportunities

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 21, 2023
Media Contact: Maria.Martin@labor.idaho.gov

More than 50 employers are taking to the Walmart parking lot in Idaho Falls looking for job candidates Wednesday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The location is 500 S. Utah Ave.

A wide range of employers attending include Idaho Rural Water Association, Local News 8, Teton Stagelines, Army National Guard, University of Idaho, Idaho Department of Transportation, Sage Truck Driving, School District 93 and many others.

More complete information about employers attending is available on the Idaho Department of Labor’s calendar of events.

Continue reading →

Idaho’s June unemployment rate increases to 2.7%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 21, 2023
Media Contact: Salvador.Vazquez@labor.idaho.gov or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate experienced a slight increase in June, rising by one-tenth of a percentage point from 2.6% in May to 2.7%.

June’s labor force – workers who are employed or unemployed but looking for work – increased by 1,778 people (0.2%) to 964,246.

Idaho’s labor force participation was unchanged between May and June, remaining at 62.5%.

Total employment increased by 1,058 (0.1%) to 938,529 while unemployment increased by 720 (2.9%) to 25,717.

Continue reading →