NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 7, 2023
Media Contact: Craig,Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
With the new year on the horizon, Idaho Department of Labor Research Analyst Supervisor Craig Shaul will explore the many economic changes the Gem State has experienced since 2013.
Shaul will guide the conversation based on the long-term projections of Idaho’s industries and occupations to provide context into the past 10 years – including the state’s growth and labor market developments.
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.”
Information provided in these news updates is from professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.
Northern Idaho
North Central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South Central Idaho
Southeastern
Eastern Idaho
Region
Top 10 occupations by job postings in northern Idaho, September 2023
Note: Year-over-year price comparisons are from Oct. 10, 2022, to Oct. 10, 2023, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, except where noted.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us begin planning to prepare our family’s favorite dishes, from the traditional turkey to candied yams and pumpkin pie. But consumers will find many of their holiday essentials pricier than in years past. How much more expensive will this year’s Thanksgiving meal be? That will depend on what you buy.
Turkey
If you go the route of buying and preparing a turkey, you can expect to see some price relief this holiday compared to last year when Avian influenza was taking its toll on many poultry birds. Nationally, the weighted average retail price per pound for a frozen whole bird before taxes, was $1.99 for the week of Oct. 6 -12, 2023. This was down one-third from $2.99 last year, according to the USDA National Retail Report – Turkey. For a 15-pound turkey, this means spending $29.85 this year versus $44.85 last year. As we approach Thanksgiving, prices will probably tick upward as last-minute buyers scramble for a bird and retailers’ inventories are drawn down, but even procrastinators can expect this year’s turkey to be cheaper than last year’s. Continue reading
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 26, 2023
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov
Larry Vila of Montpelier was honored for his volunteer service as part of the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Vila with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exemplary volunteer service. He has volunteered with the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation for more than eight years helping them with their mission, “to strengthen community health by developing, improving and expanding the facilities, services and initiatives of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.”
“Larry has helped many people in so many ways it’s hard to name just one thing. He provided more than 2,000 hours of service last year alone. We have an elderly group of volunteers at our thrift store and Larry goes out of his way to ensure each one is taken care of. His service and kindness have lifted the spirits of many individuals throughout our community over the years,” said Shane Johnson, director of the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation. Continue reading
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 20, 2023
Media Contact: Matt.Bennett@labor.idaho.gov
Veterans can connect to employers who are looking, specifically, for veterans to fill job positions at a job fair Friday, Oct. 27.
The job fair will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Boise State University’s Student Union building in the Jordan Ballroom. The address is 1700 University Drive.
It’s beneficial for veterans to attend this event, Veterans Representative Matt Bennett said. “It is one of few in the Boise area.”
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 20, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov
Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in September, rising by one-tenth of a percent to 3.1% from 3% in August.
September’s labor force increased by 2,171 people (0.2%) to 969,376.
Idaho’s labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are employed or looking for work if unemployed — remained at 62.4% in September.
Total employment increased by 852 (0.1%) to 939,110 as unemployment increased by 1,319 (4.6%) to 30,266 — the highest number of unemployed in Idaho since June 2021.
The following frequently asked questions explain the importance of responding to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey and why your business should participate.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 17, 2023
Media Contact: Jill.Kleist@labor.idaho.gov
Idahoans living in rural and remote areas of eastern Idaho can now get help finding a job in five mobile locations.
In addition to the department’s brick-and-mortar office in Idaho Falls, job seekers can access the department’s services in Ashton, Challis, Rexburg, Salmon and St. Anthony.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 12, 2023
Media Contact: Keeler.Crawford@labor.idaho.gov
The average wage of job postings in northern Idaho is up 14.5% compared to last year, according to Sam Wolkenhauer, Idaho Department of Labor regional economist. With more than 1,600 openings listed in Kootenai County, job seekers have the opportunity to visit with 65 area employers who are looking for workers at an Oct. 18 hiring event in Post Falls.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls ID 83854.
Top industries looking for workers include administrative and support services; hospitals; food service; ambulatory health care services; and professional, scientific and technical services.
