Workforce development was the focus of a recently completed IPI project for the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council (WCMEDC).
The Idaho Policy Institute’s report, which was commissioned by the council, noted that “businesses are seeing both high rates of turnover and large gaps in the labor pool, particularly when it comes to entry-level positions and positions requiring skilled labor and technical expertise and experience.” It also noted that “the housing market and overall cost of living may be contributing to these challenges.”
IPI Research Director Vanessa Fry presented the results of the study at the most recent WCMEDC meeting. Fry notes that IPI is planning a related project that would survey high school students in the region to identify future workforce development partnerships.