Congressman Ryan Zinke announced that the Montana Department of Labor and Industry has been awarded $4 million in federal funding to expand apprenticeship programs across the state. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Round 3 (SAFE3) grant program.
The grant will be used to grow Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), helping more Montanans access hands-on training for high-demand, high-wage careers in the skilled trades.
“Montana has always had a strong skilled trades workforce and economy, and that’s not changing anytime soon,” said Rep. Zinke. “Apprenticeship programs give hardworking Montanans just entering the workforce a path to learn valuable skills that can make them a vital part of our economy for life. Young people can become masters in their trades, own a business, and be a leader in the community with a good trade education.”
Montana is one of 50 states and territories to receive funding as part of the $84 million national SAFE3 initiative, which is aimed at increasing the number of active apprentices across the country to one million. The program supports workforce development goals outlined in recent executive orders, particularly those focused on expanding training in high-demand and emerging sectors.
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry plans to use the funding to support employer partnerships, increase apprenticeship opportunities in rural and underserved areas, and invest in outreach to students and workers interested in trade careers.
RAPs provide workers with paid, on-the-job training and classroom instruction, often leading directly to employment in fields such as construction, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
Zinke said the investment is especially important as Montana faces a shortage of skilled workers and growing demand in critical sectors. “This funding gives young people a shot at a bright and successful future, and it supports the backbone of our state’s economy — the skilled trades,” he said.
By: DNU staff