• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

Montana Sees Record Growth in Apprenticeship Opportunities

November 24, 2024

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) have announced a significant increase in apprenticeship opportunities across the state. According to a new report, the number of Montanans enrolled in active apprenticeships reached a record high of 3,150 at the end of September 2024, marking a 25% growth over the past five years.

Governor Gianforte celebrated the milestone, noting, “During National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the progress we’ve made in empowering Montanans with in-demand skills and helping employers find the workers they need. A college degree may not be for everyone, and now more than ever before, hardworking Montanans have the opportunity to thrive in a career across a wide variety of industries.”

The report highlights that the first nine months of 2024 saw the start of 770 new apprenticeships, and more than 680 Montana businesses offered apprenticeship programs, both of which set new records. In 2023, Montana added 1,100 new apprenticeships, and 45 counties participated in registered apprenticeship programs.

The fastest growing sectors for apprenticeships include health care, industrial engineering, and health education. Notably, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry has created new programs in fields experiencing workforce shortages, including a registered nurse apprenticeship program.

“Thanks to the pro-jobs policies enacted by Governor Gianforte and the legislature, more Montanans are working today than ever before,” said Commissioner Sarah Swanson. “This success comes with unique workforce challenges, but the Registered Apprenticeship Program helps solve those challenges by combining practical, on-the-job skills training with formal instruction, ensuring workers earn nationally recognized credentials while remaining in Montana.”

Governor Gianforte has made apprenticeships a key priority during his time in office. A significant change in apprenticeship rules, supported by the governor, took effect in 2022, allowing a journeyman to supervise two apprentices instead of just one. This adjustment has enabled more apprentices to enter the workforce while maintaining safety and training standards.

In addition, the governor implemented the Montana Trades Education Credit (MTEC) in 2021, which provides employers with tax credits for employee education and training. The MTEC was nearly doubled in 2023, further supporting the state’s workforce development goals.

This record growth in apprenticeship opportunities reflects Montana’s continued commitment to expanding career pathways and meeting the needs of both workers and employers.

By: Big Sky Headlines staff

Filed Under: Business, News

Related Articles:

  • Performance Engineering Earns National Honors
  • Bridger Aerospace Welcomes Executive Order to Reshape Wildland Firefighting
  • Gianforte Appoints Marta Bertoglio as Department of Commerce Director
  • Daktronics to Announce Q4 and Fiscal 2025 Results on June 25

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • North Dakota to Celebrate Grand Opening of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
  • Montana Attorney General Launches Investigation into Lee Enterprises Following Cyberattack
  • VA slams Democrat governor for falsely claiming vets could be denied care
  • Montana State names 2025 presidential scholars

Recent Politics Posts

  • Gianforte Praises Supreme Court Ruling
  • Zinke Urges Interior Secretary to Act on Projected Low Flathead Lake Levels
  • Senator Daines Leads Bipartisan Push to Celebrate “Great Outdoors Month”
  • Sheehy Introduces Legislation to Compensate Service Members Discharged Over COVID Vaccine Mandate

Recent Business Posts

  • Bridger Aerospace Welcomes Executive Order to Reshape Wildland Firefighting
  • Gianforte Appoints Marta Bertoglio as Department of Commerce Director
  • Daktronics to Announce Q4 and Fiscal 2025 Results on June 25
  • Performance Engineering Earns National Honors

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.