The WDA, formed in 2007, brings together business/industry representatives, regional workforce organizations, education, and economic developments entities to create innovative ways of preparing our workforce to meet the needs of businesses tomorrow. Efforts include talent development for recruitment for new, emerging and changing industries as well as local talent retention.

The WIRED grant, awarded in 2007 by the US Department of Labor, will promote the objectives and activities of the WDA. The WIRED initiative provides substantial resources to regions/communities to help jump-start the transformation of the workforce development process to now and the future, helping to ensure trained, qualified workers for current and future business. The WIRED grant is under the direction of the WIRED Council.

TURNING POINT

As the regional labor market and economic landscape in south-central Idaho continues to change as a result of a more diversified business base, new career and job choices are available that do not require a four-year degree. These changes require a transformation in the way the region educates and trains its future workforce, and how this region provides retraining for its existing labor pool.

Numerous career opportunities in this region are available to students and adults that do not require a four-year degree, as well as support resources for those job opportunities. Turning Point has been developed as an ongoing program designed to communicate and disseminate information on workforce related issues throughout southern Idaho. Turning Point showcases and educates the various initiatives that have been started as a result of the Workforce Development Alliance (WDA) and Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant.

Turning Point, funded through the WIRED grant, establishes a coordinated central message and targeted themes to help:

• change perceptions among parents and students about local opportunities not requiring a four-year degree
• educate the current and potential regional workforce as to the numerous job/career possibilities and training opportunities, initially in construction, manufacturing
• identify entrepreneurial opportunities for job creation; and strengthen relationships between business/employers/industries and education/training and one-stop career centers

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

The Workforce Development Alliance (WDA) and Idaho Tech Connect (ITC) launched a web site, Idaho Entrepreneurial Advantage, www.IdEAHelp.net, the first on line resource designed specifically for entrepreneurs. IdEA.Help is the most comprehensive source available to help entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors across southern Idaho transform their unique ideas into businesses.

Addressing the huge spectrum of needs entrepreneurs have from taking an idea or invention and turning it into a viable business, has been one of the greatest challenges for southern Idaho’s workforce and economic development sectors. This web site, specifically tailored toward entrepreneurs, is the first resource that address the depth and breadth of needs required for this unique audience.

Current and prospective entrepreneurs can assess their progress and learn more about commitments and details involved with starting their venture. The portal includes a small business startup guide, exercises to help develop a business model as well as other vital local and national resources and references.