Tag Archives: Apprenticeship

Connect with employers and learn about Registered Apprenticeships at upcoming Boise expo

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Idaho is hosting its first apprenticeship- focused event, Wednesday, April 29, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. in the conference room of Building 6, 11351 W. Chinden Blvd.

“Whether you’re exploring your first career, looking to improve your skills or trying to connect with industry partners, this is a space where conversations can turn into real career pathways,” Apprenticeship Workforce Development Programs Specialist Morgan Galway said.

Employers and programs planning to attend include Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, Coding Clarified, College of Southern Idaho, Idaho Power, Idaho Rural Water Association, College of Western Idaho, UA Local 296 Plumbers & Pipefitters, Sun Valley Culinary Institute and more.

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Apprenticeship program gives Idahoans skills to pursue new careers

Registered Apprenticeship is a pathway into the workforce where participants can “earn while they learn” and gain a recognized certification in an industry of their choice. This method of transitioning into the workforce has gained popularity and employers are now investing time into the Quality Pre-Apprenticeship program. This program makes it easier for interested Idahoans to gain knowledge and experience before committing to enroll in a Registered Apprenticeship program. Below are a few employers featured who have invested time in the creation of a Quality Pre-Apprenticeship program.

Idaho Rural Water Association (IDRWA)

In December of 2023, IDRWA led the way as the first Quality Pre-Apprenticeship program in Idaho, with the goal to fill jobs in the wastewater treatment industry.

“For the drinking water and wastewater industry — the industry isn’t very attractive on its own. We are already butting against that stereotype. It’s not very well known, and I don’t think young people are aware of it as a career path,” IDRWA Apprenticeship Coordinator Gary Sievers said. “We believe water use is the future, and we wanted to use this program to reach out to young people.”

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Governor Little proclaims apprenticeship week, Nov. 17-23

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 22, 2024
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation today formally declaring Nov. 17-23 as Apprenticeship Week in Idaho, coinciding with the U.S. Department of Labor’s 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week.

Pictured from left: Chair of the Workforce Development Council Deni Hoehne, Gov. Brad Little, St. Luke’s Medical Assistant Apprentice James Hamilton-Vail and Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier. Continue reading →

Apprenticeship Idaho distributes over 3,000 books to schools across the state

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 18, 2024
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Author Elaine Zabriskie with her dog and star of the book, Booper.

Over 3,000 free children’s books about the value of apprenticeships were distributed by the Idaho Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Idaho to elementary school classrooms across the state in September.

Designed for K-5 students, “Booper Dreams Big: An Almost True Story of Apprenticeship” follows the journey of Booper the dog and his apprenticeship as a satellite technician.

Apprenticeship Idaho originally published the book in 2022, becoming one of the first U.S. government agencies to produce a children’s book about apprenticeship. Continue reading →

Webinar will highlight apprenticeships for women in advanced manufacturing, Nov. 7

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 9, 2024
Media Contact: Connie.Hites@labor.idaho.gov

Idahoans interested in advanced manufacturing will learn how a registered apprenticeship can provide a pathway into the industry during a free Zoom webinar Thursday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. MST.

The Idaho Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Idaho are hosting the webinar in honor of National Apprenticeship Week and Women in Apprenticeship Day.

A panel of guests will share their experience and knowledge of the advanced manufacturing industry, with a special focus on opportunities for women.

Lead guest speakers include Erica Johnson with the U.S. Department of Labor and Sheri Johnson, the founder of the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance. Continue reading →

Idaho launches innovative teacher apprenticeship program to fill job openings

Idaho openings for K-12 teachers remains robust, with over 1,500 unique job postings in 2023, and 2,000 in 2022 according to Lightcast data, and the demand isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. Employment projections by the Idaho Department of Labor anticipate a continued need, forecasting 1,500 to 1,600 statewide openings annually from 2022 to 2032.

To become a teacher in Idaho, an individual must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, complete an educator preparation program, complete an unpaid student teaching program and pass a State Board-approved content assessment to receive an endorsement for proper certification.

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Idaho’s labor force training options expand

Woman gets on-the-job training experience

Modern in-state approaches for skills training, financial resources, and mental health stability of Idaho’s current and future workforce

High levels of net in-migration over the last few years puts Idaho in an enviable position. Nearly every industry is expected to experience job growth over the next 5-10 years. However, the state’s tight labor market and low unemployment rates are causing an imbalance between high employer demand for qualified labor and the lower, constrained supply of worker skill and availability.

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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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Gov. Brad Little proclaims Idaho Apprenticeship Month, highlights Idaho LAUNCH

Gov. Brad Little with an apprentice

Gov. Brad Little has proclaimed the entire month of November as Idaho Apprenticeship Month.

Registered Apprenticeships are a proven pathway for job seekers to join the workforce and receive paid, on-the-job training leading to a recognized certification or credential in a working industry of their interest.

Apprenticeships have a 90% success rate of apprentices remaining as an employee in an industry after completing their program.

“There are multiple pathways to success,” Little said. “We need more young Idahoans to go on to postsecondary education, and we’ve been very intentional about expanding ‘go-on’ to include opportunities outside of the traditional four-year college degree – including apprenticeships.”

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Apprenticeship Spotlight: Idaho Rural Water Association taps apprenticeships to fill retirements

Where does the water from our faucet go? Or maybe the water from the toilet?

Wastewater travels down our pipes to individual water districts across Idaho, where it is treated by Idaho Rural Water Association workers.

Water being tested

As a leader of dedicated employees in wastewater treatment, the organization trains and creates specialists who play a critical role in providing healthy water for our communities.

Job vacancies in the wastewater treatment industry are tough to fill.  Idaho’s retirement rate in this industry is slightly above average compared to the United States, according to Idaho Department of Labor economist Jan Roeser.

In total – 40% over the national average.

But on the other end of the spectrum, there are many people employed as water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Idaho — 1,410 to be exact. Breaking that up geographically, there are about 500 employed operators in rural Idaho.

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