WDC Funding Sources
The Idaho Workforce Development Council serves as a coordinating body across state agencies, education, and economic development partners in order to address one of the most critical issues threatening the continued growth of Idaho’s economy: developing a skilled workforce that meets the unique needs of Idaho’s communities and employers.
Workforce Development Training Fund
The Council is responsible for the Workforce Development Training Fund, a dedicated fund generated through the transfer of 3% of the unemployment taxes employers pay. The goals of the Workforce Development Training Fund are to:
- Increase the economic mobility of Idahoans through training that leads to wage gains and
retention. - Provide timely assistance to businesses while shifting focus to broader talent pipeline
development strategies that serve multiple employers. - Support growth of the economy by assisting employers with job creation and integration
of technology, specifically through the development of skills in their existing and/or new
employees. - Provide a return on investment to Idahoans as evidenced by increased wages, job
creation, capital investment, retention of Idaho’s workforce, credential attainment, and/or
customer satisfaction (employer and trainee). - Promote innovation in talent development.
- Encourage replication of best practices in talent pipeline development.
Additional Funding Sources
State Funds
Through the Governor’s office and with authorization from the Idaho legislature, the Workforce Development Council’s program and administration costs are funded in-part by state general funds.
ARPA
Through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Idaho WDC can help Idaho workers, employers, and industries recover from the Covid-19 Pandemic by supporting employers and educational institutions to provide quality training and materials, so that Idahoans of all backgrounds can recover from the economic costs of the pandemic.
Grants
To supplement ongoing funding, the Workforce Development Council also seeks and applies for grant funding from public and private sources to support its work.
