Tag Archives: Career

Graduate earns fulfilling career upon graduating construction program

About four months ago, Grant Childers was operating heavy equipment at Land Lab Day while enrolled in the ICONIC program in Boise. He was just days away from graduating and earning his certification. Little did he know, he would meet his future employer that day.

Grant Childers stands proudly in his vest at Land Lab Day in November 2025.

Grant Childers stands proudly in his vest at Land Lab Day in November 2025.

“When I first arrived to the field day, the program director immediately introduced me to a few of the instructors at the program. I asked each of them about who they felt were their top candidates and Grant’s name was consistently at the top,” Manager of RivHab Engineering and EarthWorks Zack Billingsley said. “In fact, I specifically remember one of them saying that while there were quite a few candidates that he’d recommend, Grant was in a league of his own.”

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ICONIC program hosts Contractor Day in Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Boise

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Construction contractors are invited to meet prospective heavy equipment operators this spring in three Idaho communities as part of the ICONIC program.

When participants are close to obtaining their certification in heavy equipment operation from the Idaho Career Opportunities – Next in Construction (ICONIC) program, local businesses are invited to meet participants and see their ability to use heavy machinery.

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Devoted husband finds fulfilling job with workforce consultants’ assistance

Solomon Lopez, 73, had his life change in October 2005, when his wife had an accident, was hospitalized and ended up with a disability.

Before this life-changing event, Lopez had a wide variety of job experiences. He had two degrees in civil engineering and sanitary engineering from the Philippines. There, he built 52-story buildings and ran large construction crews.

Solomon Lopez celebrates his accomplishment of employment with Labor staff.

Solomon Lopez celebrates his accomplishment of employment with Labor staff.

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Idaho grows its waste management workforce

Employment needs within Idaho’s waste management industry remain reliably consistent over time, reflecting the essential nature of the services it provides. Trash doesn’t take a day off and continues to be generated even during the coldest months of winter, the worst economic recessions and amid unpredictable 100-year pandemics. While trash volume will be dictated in part by consumer behavior, it is more closely associated with population growth.

Between 2014-2024, Idaho added 370,000 new residents and led the nation with a population growth rate of 23%. This was more than three times the U.S. growth rate of 7%.¹ During the same period, as shown in Figure 1, privatized waste management employment in Idaho added more than 2,000 jobs and increased by 98% (compared with 23% growth for the U.S. waste management sector). Like population, Idaho’s private waste management employment experienced the highest growth rate of any U.S. state.²

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ICONIC program offers construction training in Boise

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 21, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Free training is available for Idahoans wanting to pursue a career in heavy equipment operation in Boise, Oct. 6 to Nov. 7.

The five-week intensive course involves a mix of classroom and hands-on learning.

The Idaho Career Opportunities – Next in Construction (ICONIC) program is a path to a rewarding career in highway construction. Most graduates who participate in the program go on to obtain their commercial driver’s license to operate heavy vehicles.

Certifications in flagging and safety are also options to graduates.

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From cashier to medical biller, the Idaho Department of Labor helped youth participant achieve career goals

Twenty-five-year-old Lewiston resident Madison Elzea was a cashier and registrar, until she got diagnosed with a chronic pain condition. This diagnosis had Elzea adjust and make some career changes to fit her new lifestyle.

In order to make those changes a reality, Elzea approached the Idaho Department of Labor in Lewiston for extra support. The department was recommended from a friend that had a positive experience in the jumpstart program for workforce training. The youth program offers education, training and employment opportunities to out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24.

Madison Elzea in her graduate attire

Graduate from Lewis Clark State College, Madison Elzea, stands proudly from her accomplishment.

“I pursued the youth program to go back to school, so I could be eligible for more specialized positions rather than customer service,” Elzea said.

Elzea wanted to transition into the medical field and work in an office environment rather than customer service and wasn’t sure where to start. She expressed that people who are interested in going into this field, preferably need an education.

To make that dream a reality, the department connected her to attend Lewis Clark State College to obtain her certificate in medical billing.

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ICONIC program gave resident meaningful training to pursue a new career

Robert Kerns

Former ICONIC participant Robert Kerns

Boise resident Robert Kerns knew he wanted to segue his career to working in the construction industry. It was just a matter of how.

Soon, he discovered the ICONIC program offered by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to help him reach his career goals. This five-week unpaid free training gives Idahoans an opportunity to gain a certification in heavy equipment operation and gives participants the necessary skills employers are looking for when they fill positions.

Most graduates who participate in the program may go on to obtain their commercial driver’s license to operate heavy vehicles.

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Hands-on training in heavy equipment operation available in Boise

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 26, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

Free training is available for Idahoans wanting to pursue a career in heavy equipment operation.

The Idaho Career Opportunities – Next in Construction (ICONIC) program is a path to a rewarding career in highway construction. Most graduates who participate in the program may go on to obtain their commercial driver’s license to operate heavy vehicles.

The five-week intensive course involves a mix of classroom and hands-on learning. The next training session takes place in Boise from April 7 to May 9.

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Multi-Employer job fair in Boise takes place Feb. 27

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 20, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

A job fair will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus, 11351 W. Chinden Blvd. The job fair will be in the Les Bois Conference Room. This room is located between buildings 3 and 4, and is accessible through the Les Bois Café.

Employers planning to attend include Idaho Bankers Association, Home Instead, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Veterans Services, YMCA, City of Boise, Equus Workforce Solutions, Bogus Basin, Idaho Division of Occupational Licenses, Idaho Transportation Department, Dabella, Personnel Plus, CP Audio and more.

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Twin Falls event combines community engagement and career exploration

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 14, 2022
Media Contact: Kent.Oltrogge@labor.idaho.gov

An event June 18 at Twin Falls City Park, located at 400 Shoshone St., E., will showcase area community organizations to encourage engagement with residents while providing information on potential careers.

The Community Engagement and Career Event, hosted by the Idaho Department of Labor, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will involve local and state government agencies, nonprofits, first responders and community providers. 

Among first responders will be Magic Valley Paramedics, the city of Twin Falls Police and Fire departments, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office and Twin Falls Search and Rescue Team. Some of the equipment they use will be on display, such as an ambulance, a ropes rescue vehicle, police, sheriff and fire vehicles. Continue reading →