THE MONTANA APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING PROGRAM
Introduction: The Montana Apprenticeship and Training Program, established
in 1941, is a state-driven program with the Department of Labor and Industry
that provides employer approvals, apprenticeship registration and oversight
for apprenticeship program compliance for both organized and independent employers
and apprentices in the State of Montana. Apprenticeship, one of the oldest forms
of training for crafts and trades, allows for an entry level worker to learn
a skilled occupation by a combination of working on the job and completing technical
related instruction that is occupation specific. The apprentice is mentored
by a competent journey-worker on a daily basis and is paid a wage based on a
progression schedule.
Eligibility: Employer eligibility is based on the ability to provide
a broad scope of experience at the worksite necessary for an apprentice to achieve
training to a journeymen level, to provide a safe working environment and a
willingness to comply with program standards established for apprenticeship
training. Qualifications for apprentice entry into the program include; 18 years
of age or older, high school diploma or GED, physical ability to perform the
duties required by the occupation, and mechanical aptitude. A strong math background
is not required, but necessary for course work completion.
Goals and Objectives: The Apprenticeship and Training Program, Montana Department of Labor and Industry maintain on-going goals and objectives that include:
- To provide free consulting and technical assistance to Montana employers in setting up and registering apprenticeship training programs.
- To provide oversight service and monitoring of existing apprenticeship programs to ensure compliance with state, federal and industry training standards and successful completion of apprentices.
- To provide information to the public about apprenticeship opportunities.
- To maintain and revise apprenticeship training standards, to safeguard the welfare of apprentices and to ensure the quality of the training.
In Montana program staff provide technical assistance to employers
seeking to establish approved registered apprenticeship programs, provide on-going
support for existing programs, certify graduating apprentices and provide program
information to schools, parents, teachers, counselors and an array of interested
public.
Apprenticeship and Training
P.O. Box 1728
Helena, MT 59624
Phone (406) 444-3998
Fax (406) 444-3037
