Highlights record number of new apprentices, businesses engaged in 2023

Helena, MT – As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Governor Greg Gianforte and the Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) on Nov 22nd, released a new report showing a record-breaking increase in apprenticeship opportunities across Montana.

“During National Apprenticeship Week, we're celebrating the progress we’ve made in empowering Montanans with in-demand skills and helping employers find the workers they need,” Gov. Gianforte said. “A college degree may not be for everyone, and now more than ever before, hardworking Montanans have the opportunity to thrive in a career across a wide variety of industries. We’ll continue to increase access to apprenticeships so it’s easier for Montanans to work, live, and raise a family here.”

According to the report, 3,150 Montanans were enrolled in active apprenticeships at the end of September, an increase of 25% over the last five years. The number breaks the previous record set in 2022.

In 2024, 770 apprenticeships began in the first nine months of the year and more than 680 Montana businesses offered apprenticeships to train workers, another record high. In 2023, the state added 1,100 new apprenticeships and 45 counties offered registered apprentice programs.

The fastest areas of growth for apprenticeships included health education, industrial engineering, and health care. Since 2019, DLI has developed new apprenticeship programs in industries facing workforce shortages, including the registered nurse apprenticeship program.

"Thanks to the pro-jobs policies enacted by Governor Gianforte and the legislature, more Montanans are working today than ever before,” said Commissioner Sarah Swanson. “This success comes with unique workforce challenges. The Registered Apprenticeship Program helps solve those challenges by combining practical, on-the-job skills training with formal instruction, ensuring workers earn nationally recognized credentials while remaining in Montana."

Gov. Gianforte has prioritized apprenticeships during his time in office. Many apprenticeships were added following a rule change supported by the governor that went into effect in 2022. 

While maintaining workplace safety and training standards, the revised rule changed the journeyman-to-apprentice ratio from 2:1 to 1:2. Now, one journeyman can supervise two apprentices.

And, to improve the skills of hardworking Montanans and address employers' needs, the governor proposed and implemented the Montana Trades Education Credit (MTEC) in 2021. This credit offers employers credit for employee education and training. The governor nearly doubled MTEC in 2023.

The full report may be viewed here.