Idaho Receives $8M Grant for Industry Skills Training

news-releases

Published March 6th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Idaho Department of Labor received an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for an Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. The grant will support training in advanced manufacturing, domestic mineral production, and nuclear energy industries, with employers eligible for reimbursement of training costs.

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What changed

The Idaho Department of Labor has been awarded an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish an Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. This initiative aims to support workforce development in key sectors including advanced manufacturing, domestic mineral production, and nuclear energy. Employers can apply for funding to cover up to 80% of approved training costs, capped at $25,000 per employee, to expand their workforce or upskill existing employees.

Employers in Idaho are encouraged to apply for these funds to train their workforce for in-demand roles. The grant provides reimbursement for various training options such as on-the-job training, customized programs, and certifications. This funding opportunity is particularly relevant for companies in aerospace, semiconductor, food processing, nuclear energy, and mining industries seeking to address skill gaps or expand capacity. Interested employers can find more information and apply via the Idaho Department of Labor website or by emailing IDSTF@labor.idaho.gov.

What to do next

Employers in Idaho should review eligibility criteria for the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund.
Submit applications for training reimbursement to IDSTF@labor.idaho.gov.
Consult the Idaho Department of Labor website for detailed program information and application procedures.

Source document (simplified)

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 6, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor has been awarded an $8 million Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support training in advanced manufacturing, domestic mineral production and nuclear energy industries.

“Idaho’s continued economic growth depends on making sure our workforce has the skills employers need to succeed,” Governor Brad Little said. “This investment helps strengthen our partnerships with industry while creating more opportunities for Idahoans to train for good-paying, in-demand jobs that support our communities and our economy.”

Labor staff are accepting funding applications from employers in advanced manufacturing technologies across a variety of innovation-driven industries. Employers can get up to 80% reimbursement for approved training costs (up to $25,000 per employee) to expand their workforce or upskill current employees.

“This grant is an extension of our long-standing relationships with employers to help them get the trained workforce they need for in-demand roles,” said Labor Director Jani Revier. “If you are an advanced manufacturing company looking to expand capacity, retrain employees or fill a critical skill gap, contact us to see if this grant can help you achieve your goals.”

“The timing of this funding is critical to meet the demands of Idaho’s growing economy,” said Wendi Secrist, Workforce Development Council executive director. “We plan to train Idahoans for good jobs in alignment with employers that are fueling growth in advanced manufacturing, energy and mineral extraction,” she added.

Training options can include on-the-job training (OJT), customized/vendor-led programs, specialized skills and approved courses and certifications.

This funding aligns with aerospace manufacturing in northern Idaho, semiconductor manufacturing in southwestern Idaho, food processing manufacturing in southern Idaho and nuclear energy in eastern Idaho, as well as mining activities across the state and many other advanced manufacturing industries.

For more information, visit labor.idaho.gov or email IDSTF@labor.idaho.gov.

This Idaho Department of Labor workforce service program is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY26 as part of the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grant totaling $75,000.