State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Highlights Career and Technical Education at Park High School
LIVINGSTON, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday visited Park High School to meet with students participating in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
“Everybody wins when we provide our kids with the tools they need to thrive,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Students at Park High and across Montana are getting the hands-on experience they need through Career and Technical Education programs to help prepare them for their future and build a stronger workforce.”
Gov. Gianforte meeting with a Park High School student in woodshop class
At Park High School, students participating in the CTE program can enroll in agriculture education, business and media, and career development classes. Touring the school’s woodshop, auto shop, and green house, as well as visiting with students in journalism and work-based education (WBE) classes, the governor heard about the program and how the school is partnering with the businesses in the community to offer hands-on learning opportunities for students.
In the woodshop, Gov. Gianforte met with FFA students to hear firsthand about the projects students have been working on, including building chairs, sheds, and chicken coops. In the journalism class, students got to put what they learned to use and ask the governor questions.
Visiting with students from WBE classes, the governor heard from juniors and seniors who are job shadowing with local businesses. Some of the students are working towards becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and another is looking to open their own food truck.
Since taking office, the governor has prioritized promoting trades education and increasing access to individualized, work-based learning opportunities to strengthen Montana’s workforce. In 2021, the governor authorized every school district in the state to establish individualized, work-based learning paths for students. In 2023, a record number of Montana high school students received college credit in CTE program, with more than 3,300 students participating.
Following a rule change championed by the governor, Montana experienced a 25% increase in apprenticeships available through the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. Changing the journeyman-to-apprentice ratio from 2:1 to 1:2, now, one journeyman can supervise two apprentices. Today, there are over 2,700 apprentices enrolled in Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Earlier this year, Gov. Gianforte recognized February as CTE Month, highlighting the importance of hands-on learning and workforce training in preparing students for high-demand careers. You can read the governor’s February proclamation for CTE Month here.
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