St. Peter’s Apprenticeship Week Celebration

Governor Greg Gianforte has put a spotlight on apprentice programs in Montana this week, emphasizing the importance of apprenticeship opportunities in the state. During his visit to Helena, he met with Dick Anderson Construction apprentices and also visited the Highlands College pre-apprenticeship program in Butte.

Gianforte stated, “Promoting and increasing access to apprenticeship opportunities and trades education empowers Montanans and ensures employers have a highly-skilled workforce.” He also declared May 5-11 as Youth Apprenticeship Week in Montana.

The Registered Apprenticeship Program in Montana has seen a 20% increase in active apprenticeship enrollment since 2020, with over 100 fields offering paid, supervised, on-the-job training. Dick Anderson Construction is one of over 600 businesses partnering with the program, employing more than 3,000 apprentices statewide.

The governor’s efforts to support apprenticeships include a rule change in 2022 that adjusted the journeyman-to-apprentice ratio, allowing one journeyman to supervise two apprentices. Additionally, the Montana Trades Education Credit (MTEC) was implemented in 2021, offering employers credit for employee education and training.

The Highlands College pre-apprenticeship line program in Butte was also visited by the governor, providing students with the opportunity to become line workers. The program prepares students for groundman and apprentice positions within the line trade and helps connect them to jobs in the construction and utilities industry after graduation.

Overall, the focus on apprentice programs in Montana aims to create a skilled workforce and provide valuable opportunities for individuals interested in trades education.