Business and Industry
As the regional labor market and economic landscape in south-central Idaho continues to change as a result of a more diversified business base, new career and job choices are available that do not require a four-year degree. These changes require a transformation in the way the region educates and trains its future workforce, and how we provide retraining for our existing labor pool.
Through the Turning Point progr am, the Southern Idaho region is promoting careers in manufacturing, construction, and alternative/renewable energy that don’t require a 4-year degree. And, for those entrepreneurs that have a great idea or want to start their own business there are a number of resources available to help them be more successful.
This site has been designed to provide information and resources for business and industry to explore the many opportunities in our region for partnering with educators to develop curriculum and encourage alternative careers that do not require a 4-year degree to meet the needs of employers.
What is K-12 doing to better prepare students to enter the workforce?
A Fundamental Skills Certificate offers high school students in the Magic Valley and Wood River a commitment to employers to provide qualified graduates for various careers. Upon receiving the certification, many participating businesses have committed to grant interviews to students holding the certificates if they have an opening in their respective businesses. The FSC was originated by a joint effort between industry and education to address competencies that are deemed necessary in the workplace.
Fundamental Skills Certificate
For more information on this program, contact: Linda Arrossa,
linda.arrossa@gmail.com or 208-308-8276.
Fundamental Skills Certificate: Participating Businesses
Manufacturing Program beginning in 7th grade with an exploratory pathway called Exploring Technologies and starting in the 8th grade, Technology Education is offered. TFHS CAD and CAM are being offered in a Pre-machining classes that leads to a dual credit CSI course in automated manufacturing. Cassia Regional Technical Center (CRTC) offers master CAM and CNC equipment training.
Cassia Regional Technical Center
Introductory courses are in place for a Construction Capstone course. Preliminary conversations are underway regarding the viability of a construction program at the new Canyon Ridge High School. This program would work with CSI’s program, but will not be able to offered in 09-10, but hope to in the future.
The districts are utilizing career counselors more than ever before in conjunction with the classroom experience. They will be visiting classrooms to share information on career preparation, job demands, certifications, and connecting school-based learning with work-based learning. They also facilitate the students’ compilation of an electronic portfolio that includes a six year plan and other career and post secondary education information.
Idaho Residential Construction Course
College of Southern Idaho Courses & Programs
Trade & Industry
Trade & Industry Preparation
Manufacturing
Idaho TechConnect
Idaho Small Business Development Center
What kind of post-secondary classes or training are offered to prepare students/general workforce for a job in manufacturing?
Depending on position of interest, the College of Southern Idaho offers several programs and certificates to help students and the general workforce better prepare for this industry. Courses may be needed in engineering, math, management, communication, machining, manufacturing, maintenance, food/dairy science, manufacturing engineering technology (MET), operations/production management, business (marketing, human resources, information technology, finance, accounting, etc.)
Trade & Industry Preparation
Manufacturing
What kind of post-secondary classes or training are offered to prepare students/general workforce for a job in construction?
Depending on position of interest, the College of Southern Idaho offers several programs and certificates to help students and the general workforce better prepare for this industry. Courses may be needed in engineering, math, management, communication, cabinet making, residential construction, business (marketing, human resources, information technology, finance, accounting, etc.)
College of Southern Idaho Courses & Programs
Trade & Industry
Trade & Industry Preparation
Manufacturing
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology
Woodworking
Drafting
Construction
Welding
What kind of post-secondary classes or training are needed to prepare for a job in alternative/renewable energy?
Depending on position of interest, the College of Southern Idaho offers several programs and certificates to help students and the general workforce better prepare for this industry, such as, wind technician and environmental technology.
Alternative/Renewable Energy
What other programs are in place to help prepare the general workforce in the manufacturing, construction and alternative energy industries?
The Trade & Industry Prep (TIP) program helps prepare adults for the workplace and new coursework in manufacturing, construction and alternative/renewable energy. For more information on this free program contact CSI at 208-732-6525 or click on this link:
Trade & Industry Preparation
Trade & Industry Program Brochure
What entrepreneurial resources are available if you have a new idea or want to start your own business?
There are many resources available to help entrepreneurs achieve a higher level of success. Local school districts are considering adding courses for the young entrepreneur.
Idaho TechConnect
Idaho Small Business Development Center
How can I access Workforce Training Funds for my business?
The Workforce Development Training Fund helps eligible Idaho companies with up to $2,000 per employee for job skill training. It can provide job skill training for new employees of companies expanding in Idaho and skill upgrade training of current workers who are at risk of being permanently laid off to prevent that lay off. The application process is designed for quick response and turnaround with minimal paperwork. For more information on this program, click on this link:
Workforce Development Training Fund
What services are offered through the Idaho Department of Labor (IDOL) to assist in workforce employment and training for businesses?
The IDOL offers many services to employers that are free of charge to assist in workforce issues including: job postings, pre-interview, unemployment services, job training (need all services listed or link to pdf of services offered). The IDOL is a true partner with business and can help bridge the gap with training and education. Contact your local IDOL Job Service office for more details.
IDOL Job Service
Workforce Development Training Fund
Contacts and resources for job information & training:
Career Newsletter for Business
Cassia Regional Technical Center
Idaho Residential Construction Education
Idaho Career Information Systems
Idaho Department of Labor
Workforce Development Training Fund
Idaho Department of Labor & Labor Market Information
Idaho Works
Twin Falls Idaho Department of Labor - Career Counseling, Job Listings, Career Fairs, etc.
208-735-2500
College of Southern Idaho:
Courses & Programs
Trade & Industry
Trade & Industry Preparation
Manufacturing
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology
Woodworking
Drafting
Construction
Welding
Alternative/Renewable Energy
Entrepreneurial:
Idaho TechConnect
Kickstand
Idaho Small Business Development Center
Idaho Small Business Solutions
TechHelp
Jigsaw
Area Chambers of Commerce:
Twin Falls Chamber
Jerome Chamber
Mini-Cassia Chamber
Hailey Chamber
Sun Valley Chamber
Hagerman Chamber
Gooding Chamber
