State of Montana Newsroom
IGNITE Conference Brings Growing JMG Network Together to Build Montana’s Future Workforce
Helena, Mont. – The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) celebrated continued growth in student career readiness during the 2026 IGNITE Montana Conference on April 29-30 in Helena. The annual conference brings together students participating in the Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG) program, educators, employers, and community partners from across the state for two days focused on building Montana’s future workforce.
The conference featured remarks from Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, Commissioner of Labor & Industry Sarah Swanson, and a former JMG student who delivered a keynote address highlighting his journey from the classroom to a successful career.
“IGNITE brings together exactly what makes Montana strong: hardworking students, committed educators, and employers who believe in giving young people a real chance to succeed,” said Lt. Gov. Juras. “The skills students are building – leadership, resilience, and a willingness to serve - will carry them into whatever comes next, whether that is college, a career, the military, or starting a business in their hometown.”
During the conference. Juras announced 10 new chapters of JMG around Montana, building on a goal established in Governor Greg Gianforte’s 406 JOBS Initiative to expand the JMG program throughout the state. In addition, Juras announced that Montana students can now receive a Workforce Readiness Credential from Jobs for America’s Graduates, the national program with which JMG is affiliated. The credential helps participants translate their experiences in JMG into recognized qualifications for employment and will be included in the statewide credential database under the STARS Act (HB 252), allowing Future Ready payments to flow to schools supporting the program.
“Jobs for Montana’s Graduates students are developing not just the technical skills employers value, but the leadership, teamwork, and perseverance that make communities thrive,” said Commissioner Swanson. “Establishing an industry recognized credential for JMG shows how powerful this program can be. When Montana students lead, Montana grows stronger - and events like IGNITE help turn their talent into real opportunities close to home.”
Designed to “ignite” student confidence, leadership, and career exploration, the conference offered competitions, skills workshops, and hands-on opportunities to connect with employers and postsecondary partners. This year’s event took place during National Apprenticeship week and featured site visits to a variety of Montana sponsors of Registered Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are at an all-time high in Montana, with more than 3400 active apprentices working with more than 800 employer sponsors.
Throughout the conference, students participated in breakout sessions on career pathways, leadership development, and team-building activities, along with real-world exercises such as mock interviews and entrepreneurship challenges. JMG career specialists supported students as they practiced key employability skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism - skills consistently identified as critical by employers.
Across the state, JMG students are already applying these skills - leading community service projects, competing in entrepreneurship events, and entering jobs, apprenticeships, and post-secondary programs that meet local workforce needs. IGNITE brought these achievements together and helped students better understand their next steps.
For more information about IGNITE or Jobs for Montana’s Graduates, visit jmg.mt.gov.
Visit the State Workforce Innovation Board to learn more about 406 JOBS.