Tag Archives: Education

Idaho’s labor market outlook for recent college graduates stays cautiously optimistic

The transition from college to career has always been a pivotal life moment, but in the current labor market, that transition is becoming more of a challenge, as structural shifts and slowdowns in white-collar industries may affect early career pathways.

While both the U.S. and Idaho labor markets have cooled from the post-pandemic boom of 2022, the national labor market has slowed substantially, especially compared with Idaho’s labor market. Idaho’s percentage growth in average hourly wages and nonfarm employment almost doubled the nation from 2022 to 2025.

Idaho’s labor market indicators show the state is still experiencing growth, while the national indicators show declining demand for labor and lower wage gains. As a result, Idaho’s labor market is better equipped to handle these headwinds than the more anemic national economy.

Continue reading →

Idaho women favor formal education pathways toward industries like health care, education

In 2024, women accounted for 46% of Idaho’s total occupational employment, making them less represented than men in the overall labor force. However, women were significantly more concentrated than men in the industries of health care, education, personal care services and office and administrative support. [1]

While men hold a higher share of jobs overall, women account for the majority of Idaho’s recent postsecondary education metrics, including both non-degree certificates and advanced degree completions. While data suggests women will continue to favor formal education at elevated levels, the growing diversity of alternative career pathways such as apprenticeships may reshape this pattern in the future. Continue reading →

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.”

Continue reading →

Learn how Idaho women excel in workforce pathways in an upcoming webinar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 5, 2026
Media Contact: Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho women represented a higher share of certificate degree completions in 2023-2024, compared with the national average, according to The National Center for Economic Statistics.

Idaho Department of Labor Economist Lisa Grigg will explore the high rates of postsecondary education achieved by Idaho’s women along with looking at industries where women represent the majority of the workforce at a webinar, Tuesday, March 10.

“As program opportunities have expanded statewide, women’s postsecondary enrollments have diversified but continue to remain rooted within the focus areas of health care, education, family and consumer sciences and culinary, entertainment and personal services,” Grigg said.

Continue reading →

State requests public comments for modification of 2024-2027 state workforce plan

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 10, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor and the Workforce Development Council are requesting public comment on the proposed modification of Idaho’s 2024-2027 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Combined State Plan.

Idaho’s workforce development system is comprised of a network of state, regional, local agencies and organizations that provide a range of services. This includes employment, education, training and overall support to help all job-seekers secure good jobs while providing businesses with the skilled workers they need to compete in a global economy. Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.”

Continue reading →

LAUNCH workshop is available for graduating seniors, online, March 20

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 13, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is offering an online workshop, Thursday, March 20, to graduating high school senior students interested in applying to the LAUNCH career education grant program.

The workshop is from 5 to 7 p.m. MT and takes place via Microsoft Teams. Register at the department’s Eventbrite event page.

All students graduating in 2025 under the age of 21, including public, private, charter, homeschool and English as a second language students are welcome to attend.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →