Tag Archives: idaho

Business Profile: Labor shortage not so easily solved

Economist Lisa Grigg says building more housing in north central Idaho could help fill crucial job openings in the area

This article originally was published in the Lewiston Tribune. It is republished here with permission.

By Elaine Williams, The Lewiston Tribune

Lisa Grigg, labor economist with the Idaho Department of Labor, poses for a photo at her desk Wednesday in Lewiston. August Frank/Tribune

Constructing more housing might help ease a labor shortage in north central Idaho driven by an aging population.

That observation comes from Lisa Grigg, an economist with the Idaho Department of Labor who is based in Lewiston.

“Our area has under-built for the past decade,” she said. “We just don’t have space for those people who are in their 20s and have a great job and are making a solid income. There’s no places for them to rent and housing prices are out of reach for most.”

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 →

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 →

Apprenticeship highlighted in July with Labor’s scheduled webinars

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 5, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov and Kandi.Rudd@labor.idaho.gov

Two webinars in July hosted by the Idaho Department of Labor will showcase how Registered Apprenticeships are a valuable investment to businesses.

The first webinar takes place on Tuesday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to noon MDT via Zoom.

Continue reading →

Over 300 positions open at Ukrainian Welcome Center Hiring Event

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 5, 2023
Media Contact: Sonia.Cardenas@labor.idaho.gov

A mix of entry level and higher-level skilled jobs will be offered on Tuesday, July 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at a hiring event taking place at the Ukrainian Welcome Center in Nampa. The center is located at 304 16th Ave. N.

Positions open range across industries including cashiers, school bus drivers, production, administrative, industrial, retail, child care and many more.

Continue reading →

Post Falls hiring event offers multiple job opportunities

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 16, 2023
Media Contact: Keeler.Crawford@labor.idaho.gov

Over 100 jobs will be available for job seekers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 at Labor’s Post Falls Hiring Event. The event takes place at the Idaho Department of Labor office, located at 600 N. Thornton St.

Employers planning to attend include Cabela’s, Sleep Inn Post Falls, Environmental Control, Sherwin Williams, Sage Truck Driving School, North Idaho Dental Personnel, Bonner County Human Resources, Badger Building Supply, Texas Roadhouse, Arrow Construction Supply and more. All of the employers planning to attend are listed in the Idaho Department of Labor’s calendar of events.

Continue reading →

Idaho Falls hiring event June 14 features employers with multiple job openings

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 8, 2023
Media Contact: Windy.Hahn@labor.idaho.gov

Eastern Idaho employers with the highest number of job openings in the region will be at a hiring event Wednesday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Idaho Falls Department of Labor office located at 1515 E. Lincoln Road.

Continue reading →

Apprenticeship Spotlight: Precision Propeller taps veterans to help strengthen its business

Veterans Brandon McCullough and Jeremy Coak, at Precision Propellor Services, work together by giving a propellor the proper parts to make it safe for flight. Veterans Brandon McCullough and Jeremy Coak work together at Precision Propeller Services to make sure a propeller has the parts it needs for a safe flight.

Hiring in industries that don’t require a college degree can be challenging. Certain industries need highly trained individuals to meet job requirements. Registered Apprenticeship programs help meet that need by providing on-the-job training to create a qualified professional.

For Ted Chester, owner of Precision Propeller Services in Boise, the Idaho Registered Apprenticeship program gave his company the talent with the skills they need to learn how to craft various propellers. Chester has been using the program for three to four years to grow his business.

“I was really impressed. The Idaho Department of Labor apprenticeship team walked me through all the steps for creating a Registered Apprenticeship,” Chester said. “It was a good experience.”

Continue reading →

Serve Idaho announces $375,000 in funding for AmeriCorps planning grants

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 30, 2023
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho nonprofit, educational, community and faith-based organizations, Indian tribes and local governments are eligible to apply for federal funding through Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.

Up to five organizations will receive funding up to $75,000 each for planning grants to explore the feasibility of operating an AmeriCorps program. These funds allow time and financial resources for organizations to determine how an AmeriCorps program and its members could help solve community problems.

Continue reading →

Businesses: Learn how to pay employees and stay in compliance, May 31

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 25, 2023
Media Contact: Kandi.Rudd@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho businesses are invited to learn about the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour services Wednesday, May 31 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. (MDT) during an online seminar via Zoom.

Employees are also welcome to attend.

The seminar, featuring Wage and Hour supervisor Artie Holmes, will cover wage and hour jurisdiction, the wage claim process, wage deductions and reductions, wage payment upon separation, paid time off, vacation and sick time, and documentation. Continue reading →