Workforce development feeds employment landscape

Darlene Carnopis, bureau chief of communications and research at Idaho Department of Labor noted workforce development has experienced fluctuations recently, but believes it to be largely stable compared to other states and job markets.

"We still have the usual issues with availability of skilled workers like nurses, construction tradesmen, and so forth, but these are not really new challenges and just represent the structural needs of the economy," Carnopis said.

Among a slate of state programs to connect employees with employers, the Idaho LAUNCH grant program helps job seekers discover employer needs, view big-picture regional employment snapshots, research training opportunities and then apply for training funds for approved courses in Idaho.

According to the Idaho LAUNCH site, a survey of employers in North Idaho had construction, general business and health care listed as the top three industry respondents by volume.

The Department of Labor also offers registered apprenticeships so that employees earn while they learn, reduce student debt and may even obtain a nationally recognized certificate or credential. 

The Career Acceleration Program (CAP) provides ongoing, individual guidance to job seekers who are ready and willing to work.

Currently, the Department of Labor has a more favorable view of the employment landscape compared to in the past.

"The labor market is much more balanced in northern Idaho than it has been in recent years, and the labor shortage is not as pronounced in the posting data as it was in 2022-23," Carnopis noted.