Governor Gianforte Promotes Apprenticeship Growth in East Helena

• July 06 2023

EAST HELENA, Mont. – Highlighting policies to build a stronger Montana workforce, Governor Greg Gianforte today toured the training center for Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) Local Union #732.

“A four-year college degree is not the best option for every young Montanan," Gov. Gianforte said. "Through apprenticeships, Montanans have more opportunities than ever before to acquire in-demand skills to thrive in a good-paying career."

Gov. Gianforte touring the Local Union #732 training facility

Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship program, administered by the Department of Labor & Industry, enables workers to receive paid, supervised, on-the-job training in more than 100 different occupations across Montana.

As one of the longest standing employer sponsors in the program, JATC Local #732 offers individuals paid, supervised, on-the-job training in the building and construction trades.

“One thing I love is being able to go into communities across the state and inform people about the real opportunity to come out of here with qualifications and certifications, earning a livable wage,” Apprenticeship and Training Coordinator Brian Rigby said.

In 2022, Montana added more apprenticeships to the Registered Apprenticeship Program than ever before, many of which were added following a rule change championed by the governor.

While preserving workplace safety and training standards, the rule change revised the previous journeyman to apprentice ratio of 2:1 to 1:2, allowing one journeyman to supervise two apprentices.

To boost the skills of hardworking Montanans and meet the needs of employers, the governor also proposed and established the Montana Trades Education Credit (MTEC) in 2021, providing employers a credit for employee education and training. The governor nearly doubled MTEC this session.

“Our significant increase in the Montana Trades Education Credit will help empower our workforce, better meet the needs of job creators, and build a stronger future for Montana,” Gov. Gianforte added.

Montanans can learn more about Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship Program by visiting apprenticeship.mt.gov.

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