Apprenticeships Providing Workforce Training Opportunities in Bozeman
Bozeman, MT-Governor Steve Bullock today met with business leaders to discuss the importance of apprenticeship training programs and highlight the opportunities available to Montana’s veterans in the state’s workforce during a morning roundtable conversation with Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney, Labor & Industry Commissioner Pam Bucy, and organized labor training staff. Topics ranged from the benefits to apprenticeship sponsors to how veterans can take advantage of workforce training programs available to them once they leave military service. The event took place at Bozeman-based Core Control, Inc.
“With strong wage and job growth, Montana is enjoying an economy that continues to be among the best in the nation,” said Bullock. “It is exciting that we have training programs like apprenticeships where our veterans can come back to the state and apply the skills they learned while serving in the military..”
Through apprenticeship training programs, Montanans can learn the on-the-job skills businesses are looking for while also earning a paycheck. Currently, there are over 1,000 occupational fields available for potential apprentices to choose from.
In addition to remarks from Bullock, Lieutentant Governor Mike Cooney focused on the importance of these training programs for Montana’s business community.
“Main Street businesses who sponsor apprenticeship training programs benefit by earning tax credits, building employee loyalty, and tailoring their curriculums specifically to their workforce needs,” said Cooney.
Chad Marks, who is currently enrolled in Core Control, Inc. apprenticeship courses, spoke about his experience in the program and how much it means for his family.
“It’s not just a job, but a career for me,” said Marks. “I want to continue working for Core Control and keep flying for Core Control, and I want to be there for my family. That’s number one for me is being able to always be there for my family.”
Marks also addressed why he returned home to Montana and enrolled in Core Control’s training program.
“It’s been really great,” continued Marks. “I went to college just because I felt I needed to and found something I really loved in aviation flight. Apprenticing with Core Control has allowed me to build on the skills I learned in the military, while working for a great company.”
Commissioner of Labor & Industry Pam Bucy used the roundtable to discuss how critical apprenticeship training is to addressing Montana’s future workforce needs.
“Apprenticeships are a time-tested model of training Montanans and can be a major tool for helping our state address the workforce needs we will be anticipating over the next decade,” said Bucy. “By having additional job openings, more people throughout the state will have the opportunity to join the workforce or make a career change with these programs.”
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry works with both union and non-union businesses throughout the state to build on-the-job and educational components for apprenticeship training programs.
Montana apprenticeship training facts:
