Registration opens today for annual North Idaho College Workforce Training Center event
A student practices the skills he learned during a free forklift operation and safety course in February 2025 at Safety Fest of the Great Northwest at the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center in Post Falls.
Photo courtesy of North Idaho College
At the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center, safety isn’t just a policy.
It’s a community commitment worth celebrating.
Each year, the center hosts Safety Fest of the Great Northwest, a three-day event that brings together frontline workers, safety professionals and the public for free training from some of the region’s top safety instructors.
The next North Idaho Safety Fest is set for Feb. 18-20, marking the 18th year the Workforce Training Center has hosted the event in Post Falls. Colleen Hoffman, event organizer and NIC Workforce Training customized training manager, said it’s far more than an NIC Workforce Training project.
“Safety Fest brings people together around a serious purpose, and the energy is upbeat and engaging,” Hoffman said in a Tuesday news release. “There’s a real sense of community and optimism as hundreds of people gather to learn, share and strengthen safety in our workplaces and our region.”
Safety Fest has grown into one of the region’s most collaborative safety events. Expert instructors volunteer their time to share the latest best practices in workplace and community safety, covering topics that range from fall protection and mine safety to suicide prevention and cyber awareness.
The 2025 event featured 53 instructors offering 80 classes, many of which met Occupational Safety and Health Administration training requirements. Over three days, 577 students participated, completing 1,354 total classes.
“As a member of the Safety Fest Committee, I have watched this event grow each year,” said Greg Rodriguez, with Ginno Construction Co. “It is always good to see the participants and vendors that return each year to support this event.”
The benefits go well beyond compliance. A safe workplace, Hoffman noted, helps prevent injuries and illnesses, builds trust and strengthens the culture of care that helps employees and businesses thrive.
“Safety Fest is about protecting people,” Hoffman said. “When we take care of each other, everyone wins.”
Many of the free training courses lead to industry-recognized certifications.
Registration for the 2026 Safety Fest opens at 8 this morning. Early registration is recommended.
Visit nic.edu/safetyfest for details and to register.