Idaho Labor Department OKs $325,000 In Training Grants

Courtesy MotivePower Inc.

Boise-based MotivePower designs, makes and re-makes trains.

The Idaho Department of Labor today approved $325,000 in worker training grants for two Boise-based companies.

Locomotive maker MotivePower Inc. is eligible to receive $288,000 and iVinci Health, a hospital software company can get up to $38,000.

Workforce Development Training grants are reimbursements to companies that need to train new employees, existing employees or employees who are in danger of being laid off unless their skills are updated. It’s paid for by a tax on businesses.

In order to qualify, companies must pay at least $12 an hour and include health benefits.  The business also has to make a product or offer a service that is sold outside the region, or be in the health care sector.

The Labor Department reports there are now 46 active workforce development grants.