Gov. Greg Gianforte announced his approval of the 406 JOBS Year One Work Plan, a comprehensive roadmap developed by the State Workforce Innovation Board aimed at modernizing Montana’s workforce development system.
“Government usually struggles to move at the speed of business, but 406 JOBS is proving that wrong,” Gianforte said in a statement. “We launched this initiative with a clear mission: we can do better to empower Montana’s workers and employers. This plan does just that. By tearing down silos and listening to job creators, we will ensure every Montanan has a clear pathway to a good-paying job and the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”
The plan was delivered 90 days after Gianforte launched the 406 JOBS initiative through Executive Order 5-2025. It outlines immediate actions to better align state resources in support of workers and employers and identifies 12 priorities across the public and private workforce system to drive innovation, reduce red tape, and improve collaboration among state agencies.
Key initiatives include expanding registered apprenticeship pathways, preparing workers for opportunities related to artificial intelligence and automation, and establishing local sector partnerships in high-demand industries.
To support labor force growth, the plan also addresses childcare shortages and seeks to remove barriers to employment for veterans, individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities, and those reentering the workforce through the newly established Office of Reentry. Additional action items include launching a statewide credential registry, modernizing career exploration tools, expanding job opportunities for Montana graduates, strengthening employer engagement sites, and improving coordination across state agencies.
The work plan reflects collaboration among multiple state entities, including the Department of Labor & Industry, the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Department of Commerce, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, and the Office of Public Instruction. Workforce partners such as the Montana Chamber of Commerce and industry leaders also contributed to its development. State officials said the plan was shaped by extensive stakeholder input and will continue to incorporate public feedback during implementation.
“Immediately following the Governor’s announcement of 406 JOBS, DLI and SWIB hit the road with the Montanans at Work statewide tour,” said Labor Commissioner Sarah Swanson. “We traveled to 15 communities around the state and discussed workforce priorities with hundreds of Montanans. We heard from workers about barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and the need for in-demand skills, and from employers about the need for apprenticeship and credentialing programs.”
Implementation of several priority initiatives is already underway. Earlier this month, the Department of Labor & Industry announced the final rule establishing a statewide credential registry authorized by House Bill 252, the Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success Act passed during the 2025 legislative session. The registry tracks industry-recognized credentials earned by students in high school and provides access to career and technical education programs. Schools will also receive Future Ready payments to expand career programs at the middle and high school levels.
The department has also launched the Office of Reentry, and state agencies are rolling out professional development for educators to help equip students with skills to effectively use artificial intelligence.
“406 JOBS represents a fundamental shift in how our state government approaches workforce readiness,” said Adam Gilbertson, senior vice president at RDO Equipment Co. and chair of the State Workforce Innovation Board. “It starts with the premise that employers and workers need to be at the center of the effort and that all the agencies of government collaborate to limit redundancy and complexity. The plan is in place — now it’s time to get to work.”