This is Part 3 in a three-part series on Covid-19's impact on the economy, nationally and locally. Part 1, "Covid-19's Economic Impact on the United States and Idaho", can be found here. Part 2, "How Covid-19 has Impacted Idaho's Healthcare System", can be found here.

A decision had to be made at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic: what industries would be considered essential?

Participants of 2019’s Construction Combine in Pocatello.

Photo credit: ISU CEWT

POCATELLO -- Idaho State University’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training is partnering up with local contractors and sponsors in this year’s Construction Combine.

On Feb. 4, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) will be hosting an open house at 89 W. Agency Rd., Fort Hall, ID, to recognize the opening of a new TERO Training Center.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson will recognize the entry of the Construction Combine program into the Congressional Record at the Idaho State University Eames Advanced Technical Education and Innovations Complex on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 2:45 p.m.

Last year, Idaho State University’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT) partnered with Home Depot to create the Construction Combine— a NFL-inspired, two-day event, where trainees work with local contractors to develop and learn new skills, while potentially finding a new job.

This year, the Construction Combine grew in size and scope. It expanded to other regions of the state to include Coeur D’alene, Lewiston, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls. Even Ontario, Ore. put on a Construction Combine.

Idaho State University’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training has partnered up with Home Depot to host the second annual Construction Combine on March 27-28.

As a collaborative effort between the community and local construction industry, the Combine provides local contractors an opportunity to educate their community through hands-on training and outreach.

This year, draft season is coming early.

On March 28th and 29th, participants will stand in the spotlight as they prove their skills to professionals and hopefully snag a position that will launch them into a job and potentially a career.