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By Stephanie Parker, Founder & President, TalentSpark We spend a lot of time talking about Idaho's workforce challenges. Finding qualified employees, closing skills gaps, and developing talent are familiar conversations for anyone working in HR. But here's something we don't talk about enough: There are funding opportunities, training programs, and employer partnerships available right here in Idaho that many businesses may not know exist. Through my involvement in workforce development, I've become increasingly aware of the resources available to employers. Some help companies train existing employees, while others support new hires, apprenticeships, or industry-wide workforce initiatives. As you begin planning for 2027, here are six resources worth exploring. 1. Idaho Workforce Development Council: Employer Grants The Idaho Workforce Development Council (WDC) offers grants to qualifying employers expanding their workforce or retraining existing employees to meet specific business needs. Funding can reach $250,000, with eligibility requirements and employer cost-sharing obligations. These grants focus on training tied to economic growth and business expansion rather than routine onboarding or general professional development. Resource: Employer Grants, Eligibility & Applications 2. Industry Sector Grants: Addressing Shared Workforce Challenges Some workforce challenges are bigger than any one employer. The WDC's Industry Sector Grants support employer-driven partnerships that develop training solutions for shared workforce needs. Rather than competing for the same limited pool of qualified workers, employers can collaborate with industry partners and educational institutions to build a stronger talent pipeline. Resource: Industry Sector Grant Information 3. College of Western Idaho: Customized Employee Training Here's an example of what's already happening locally. Mission Critical Group, formerly Johnson Thermal Systems, partnered with College of Western Idaho (CWI) to develop a three-week welding program tailored to the company's specific quality standards. Instead of waiting for the labor market to produce workers with precisely the right skills, the company invested in developing those capabilities internally. CWI offers customized training across a variety of disciplines and works directly with employers to identify skills gaps and develop training solutions. Resources: CWI Customized Training | Mission Critical Group Partnership 4. On-the-Job Training: Offset the Cost of Developing Employees Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), qualifying employers may be eligible for wage reimbursement when hiring and training individuals who need additional skills to become fully productive. This is worth exploring when you've identified a promising candidate who doesn't meet every technical requirement but has the aptitude to succeed with structured training. Eligibility and reimbursement amounts vary by program. Resource: Idaho WIOA Programs 5. Registered Apprenticeships: Build Your Own Talent Pipeline Apprenticeships aren't just for traditional trades. They can be used in any industry to develop talent through a combination of paid employment and structured training. Idaho's Registered Apprenticeship Incentive offers qualifying employers up to $1,000 per apprentice annually, subject to program requirements and funding limits. Employers don’t have to do it alone. The WDC can connect you with organizations that can serve as the apprenticeship sponsor, handling much of the administration for employers. For organizations struggling to find experienced employees, this model may be worth a closer look. Resource: Registered Apprenticeship Incentive 6. Talent Pipeline Management: Help Shape Your Industry's Workforce Employers don't have to tackle workforce challenges on their own. Through Idaho's Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) employercollaboratives, businesses within the same industry work together to identify shared talent needs, define critical skills, and partner with education and training providers to develop solutions. Resource: Idaho Workforce Development Council – Talent Pipeline Management https://wdc.idaho.gov/talent-pipeline-management/ Where to Start If you're considering applying for a Workforce Development Council grant, the next application deadline for Employer Grants and Industry Sector Grants seeking January committee review is December 4, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Not sure which program fits your needs? The Workforce Development Council can help you understand available funding opportunities and eligibility requirements. Workforce Development Council Contact Jan Whiting Idaho Workforce Development Council For customized training through CWI, contact pact@cwi.edu. A Final Thought As HR professionals, we're accustomed to being asked to find solutions to workforce challenges, often with limited budgets and competing priorities. But we don't necessarily have to solve every problem on our own. Idaho has organizations actively investing in workforce development, and employers have opportunities to help shape how those resources are used. Before you finalize your 2027 training and workforce plans, I'd encourage you to spend a little time exploring what's available. There may be more support for your workforce development goals than you realize. |
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