State of Montana Newsroom
Montana, RDO Launch New Skilled Trade Apprenticeship Program
Celebration of National Apprenticeship Week Concludes with Expanded Pathways to Work
Billings, Mont. – RDO Equipment Co. announced today that it has formalized a Registered Apprenticeship pathway with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry to train heavy equipment service technicians across the state.
“Service technicians are more in demand in Montana than ever before,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor & Industry. “With more people leaving the field than entering it, now is the time to tear down barriers to entry and provide robust skills training in every corner of the state. I am so pleased to see our employer partners recognizing the value of Registered Apprenticeships in building talent pipelines that help grow their businesses while strengthening our labor force.”
RDO Equipment Co’s Service Technician Registered Apprenticeship program is an entry-level opportunity that provides training and on-the-job mentorship over the course of three to four years, leveling employees up to a Service Technician III capacity at the end of the program. Apprentices receive direct instruction from John Deere University, 6,000-8,000 hours of paid work alongside an experienced mentor technician, and a validated credential recognized across the U.S.
The Service Technician Registered Apprenticeship program is offered at all RDO locations across Montana. Approximately 10-12 apprentice positions will be available each year.
“We’re listening closely to what our customers need, and we know a strong service workforce is critical to their success,” said Adam Gilbertson, senior vice president of Mountain Construction and Field Technology at RDO Equipment Co. “In partnership with our team members, we’ve built a structured, state‑recognized apprenticeship that develops fully qualified service technicians through hands‑on training, mentorship, and clear skill progression -- preparing them for long‑term careers while helping our customers keep their equipment running.”
“We want to play an active role in developing the next generation of construction service technicians,” said John Hurd, recruiting manager at RDO Equipment Co. “By building on RDO’s Access Your Future framework, we’re helping students gain hands‑on experience and reach key milestones faster as they continue their education -- creating a clearer path from school to a career with RDO.”
The new Registered Apprenticeship builds on years of success in encouraging young people to enter the skilled trades through the Build Montana program. A partnership between the Montana Contractors Association, the Montana Equipment Dealers Association, and employers such as RDO Equipment, Build Montana is a certified pre-apprenticeship program currently available to high school students in Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell and Missoula.
Build Montana provides career awareness and preparation for entry into the trades, including Registered Apprenticeship programs for electricians, sheet metal workers, plumbers, and now, service technicians. Participation in Build Montana while in high school provides credit hours towards the completion of Registered Apprenticeship programs like Service Technician.
“The pipeline for young people from Build Montana into nearly a dozen skilled trade opportunities is exactly what the Governor’s 406 JOBS initiative is all about,” said Swanson. “As a former equipment dealer myself, I was proud to help launch the Build Montana program and even more thrilled as Commissioner to see it grow and support Registered Apprenticeship programs. The addition of a new Service Technician apprenticeship shows just how much opportunity awaits young people in the trades.”
Registered Apprenticeship participation reached a record-high in 2025, with more than 3,400 apprentices participating in programs with over 800 employers. Growing apprenticeship program in Montana is a core strategy under 406 JOBS and was the focus of Apprenticeship Week in Montana, April 26-May 2, 2026.
Job seekers interested in entering the Service Technician Registered Apprenticeship program can contact their local RDO Equipment store throughout Montana.
Educators and school districts interested in offering the Build Montana pre-apprenticeship program can learn more at buildmontana.org.
For more information on Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs in Montana, visit Montana Registered Apprenticeship.