Tag Archives: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Idaho Labor Program Helps Support Food Bank, Interfaith Sanctuary During COVID-19

Overwhelmed food banks, pantries and shelters across the state have found some help from the Idaho Department of Labor’s work experience program, and now more than 15 people across the state are working at various locations, learning job skills and helping people in need while earning a paycheck.

The idea was formulated when the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (OEM) contacted the Labor Department looking for solutions to replace Idaho National Guard members who had been helping food bank workers keep up with increased demand at pickup sites because of COVID-19.

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Public Invited to Comment on Proposed Update to WIOA Eligible Training Provider Policy

News Release

For Immediate Release: March 5, 2019
Information Contact: Cheryl Foster, (208) 332-3570 ext. 3213

Training providers and interested members of the public are invited to submit comments concerning a proposed change in the approved Idaho Policy for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Eligible Training Providers.

The proposed change is in the methodology for approving programs of training services under Idaho’s (WIOA) Title I-B programs. This methodology would replace the existing Appendix A to the policy.

Review the current approved Idaho Policy for WIOA Eligible Training Providers and the proposed new Appendix A online.

They are posted on the Idaho Department of Labor Eligible Training Provider Web page at http://www.labor.idaho.gov/ETP.

Please submit all comments on the proposed Appendix A by email to WIOAPlan@labor.idaho.gov. The policy committee will review the comments received prior to March 13, 2019, before making a final recommendation to the Workforce Development Council on April 11, 2019.

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A Little Help from Labor Makes a Big Difference in Life of Ex-Offender

Marcos Soto

A year ago Marcos Soto was working as a helper/grinder in a welding shop. This low paying, labor intensive job was the only type of job he had ever held.

Soto, now 42 years old, was recently released from prison after eight-and-a-half years. He wanted to find a better job but knew his status as a felon wasn’t the only way his job possibilities were limited. He wanted to become a welder but without training, hands-on experience and enough practice, he would not be able to pass the exams so he could earn the required certifications.

As much as Soto wanted to get ahead, he simply was not able to do so on his own. His small salary made it too difficult to save up the $3,000 needed to enroll in the welder fabrication courses provided by Pro-Weld Welding School in Nampa.

Luckily, a friend referred Soto to the Idaho Department of Labor where he met with Michael LeDuc, a workforce consultant in the Boise office. LeDuc met with Soto and told him about the Workforce and Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and found Soto also qualified for job training assistance from Vocational Rehabilitation. Soto said he was thrilled to find out he qualified for a grant which covered the cost of the welding classes and paid for enough tools to get him started.

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Moscow Youth Lands Her Dream Job With a Little Help from Labor Program and a Lot of Determination

Bailie Welton works with cattle at All West/Select Squires in Washington

Bailie Welton works with cattle at All West/Select Squires in Washington

Bailie Welton always knew she wanted to work with animals. Upon entering the University of Idaho’s Animal Veterinary Science program, she realized she had a significant hurdle to overcome because she lacked any prior experience with animal agriculture.

Bailie’s inexperience wasn’t her only challenge. At the age of 9, she was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration, leaving her legally blind.

“Every individual has their own challenges they must face in life,” Bailie said. “What sets people apart are those that find positive ways to overcome these challenges.”

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