Governor Greg Gianforte announced that the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program (MRAP), administered by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), reported record participation in 2025, reinforcing its role as a key driver of workforce development in the 406 JOBS initiative.
“The Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program is opening doors for hardworking Montanans to earn while they learn and build meaningful careers,” Gov. Gianforte said. “By expanding apprenticeship opportunities, we’re strengthening our workforce, supporting businesses, and creating lasting economic opportunity in communities across our state.”
According to an annual report released by DLI, MRAP supported 3,464 active apprenticeships across 65 in-demand occupations in 2025, marking the highest participation level in program history. Apprentices are training in high-demand fields including construction, healthcare, technology, and childcare, with roles such as registered nurses, computer programmers, and barbers.
Over the past three years, program growth has continued statewide with more than 900 new apprenticeships launched annually. Today, 814 Montana employers participate in MRAP, a 33 percent increase over the past decade.
“Registered Apprenticeship is one of the most effective tools we have to meet Montana’s workforce needs throughout the state,” said Sarah Swanson, Montana Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “Apprenticeship opportunities are available in 47 counties, strengthening workforce pipelines in both urban centers and rural communities across Montana.”
On average, Montanans who complete an apprenticeship earn $72,220 within one year of graduation, significantly above the state average wage. Additionally, 84 percent of graduates remain employed in Montana five years after finishing their programs, supporting long-term workforce stability across 406 JOBS industries.
Gov. Gianforte’s 406 JOBS initiative aligns education, workforce, and industry to ensure every Montanan has access to one of four pathways: direct-to-career pathways like Registered Apprenticeship, college, entrepreneurship, or military service. The occupations with available apprenticeships represent more than 65 percent of projected job openings over the next decade, and MRAP continues to expand across Montana as a critical pipeline for meeting employer demand statewide.
By DNU staff