General Workforce

It is never too late to get the training you need to change or upgrade your skills for better job/career opportunities.  A good wage and career can be made in Southern Idaho, without a four-year degree.  Short-term and long-term career opportunities in manufacturing, construction, and alternative/renewable energy are fast growing industry sectors in our region.  And, for those entrepreneurs that have a great idea or want to start their own business there are many resources available to help achieve their dream.
   
There are many technically skilled careers that offer a good wage which create the goods and services that people rely on in their everyday lives.

This site has been designed to provide information and resources to explore the many opportunities our region has to offer.

Example of some manufacturing-related jobs available in southern Idaho, not requiring a four-year degree:

Example of some construction-related jobs available in southern Idaho, not requiring a four-year degree:  

Example of some alternative/renewable energy-related jobs available in southern Idaho, not requiring a four-year degree: 

Why are these jobs good career opportunities?  
Businesses offering these jobs are mostly stable, growing and sustainable businesses that offer good pay and benefits.  Today’s manufacturing jobs are advanced manufacturing jobs with technology playing a significant role in many positions.  Technology skills can be obtained through CSI vocational training classes and some on-the-job training.  In general, manufacturing jobs pay above average wages in most areas.  Workers get to handle different situations every day so there’s always something new to learn.  Most positions offer excellent opportunities for advancement. 

Over 1 million jobs in construction will be created over the next decade.  Construction Technology is part of the Engineering and Industrial systems career cluster in Idaho and is fully supported by the Idaho Division of Professional Technical Education.  If you are students are interested in problem-solving, working with a team, and being involved in one of the most in-demand careers in the nation, have them consider a future in this well-paying field. Today technicians can earn early career salary between $30,000 and $60,000 with journeyman technicians earning $70,000.

Most alternative/renewable energy jobs are middle-skill jobs requiring more education than high school, but less than a four-year degree -- and are well within reach for workers as long as they have access to effective training programs and appropriate supports. The green economy demands workers with new skill sets. Some green collar jobs -- say renewable energy technicians -- are brand new. But even more are existing jobs that are being transformed as industries transition to a clean energy economy: computer control operators who can cut steel for wind towers as well as for submarines; or mechanics who can fix an electric engine as well as an internal combustion engine.

Pay Range:    
Of course, pay depends on the position. Range is $10- $30/hour.  Career pay:  $15,000 - $100,000/yr   Compensation makes it possible for home ownership and ability to support a family.  Benefits are generally good and vary by company.

Education Level:      
High School graduation or GED required for about 90% of positions.
 
Other: 
Positions may require specialized/vocational training requiring up to a 2-year associate degree in a specific area. Many post-secondary training can be obtained in a shorter period of time. Post-secondary (high school) training translates into a higher wage. There are several programs available that offer financial assistance in these industry sectors.
Financial Aid

What kind of job training classes are needed to prepare for a job in manufacturing?      
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.)
Manufacturing

What kind of job training classes are needed to prepare for a job in construction?      
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 job training classes 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 better prepare for this industry.
Alternative/Renewable Energy

What skills or personal traits does an employer look for in a potential employee, aside from education and training?      
Ability/willingness to learn, cooperation, ability to work with others, dedication to a task, organization, getting to work on time, good verbal communication skills, good attitude, good listener, follows direction, pride in work.
    
The Trade & Industry Prep (TIP) program helps prepare you for the workplace and new coursework in manufacturing, construction and alternative 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 I have a new idea or want to start my own business?     
There are many resources available to help you achieve a higher level of success as an entrepreneur. Check these sites for more information..
Idaho TechConnect
Idaho Small Business Development Center

Contacts and resources for job information & training:
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