Montana Launches Initiative to Upskill Workers, Re-Engage 100,000 Who Left Labor Force

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte on Monday launched a statewide workforce initiative aimed at upskilling Montana workers for automation-resistant careers and re-engaging more than 100,000 working-age residents who have left the labor force.

The 406 JOBS Initiative, established through Executive Order 5-2025, positions Montana to capitalize on federal workforce development priorities set by President Donald Trump while addressing the state’s labor shortage of nearly two job openings for every unemployed person.

“406 JOBS will work across the public and private sector to promote career, college, military, and entrepreneurship pathways for Montanans to strengthen our workforce and prepare the next generation,” Gianforte said during a press conference at Boeing’s Helena facility. “We’re following President Trump’s lead to Make America Skilled Again and opening the door to greater opportunities for all Montanans to reach their full, outstanding potential.”

The initiative comes as technological advancement threatens traditional employment. Recent studies show 30% of all U.S. jobs could be automated by 2030, while automation has already eliminated 1.7 million manufacturing jobs nationwide between 2000 and 2025, according to the executive order.

Targeting Displaced Workers

Montana Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson highlighted the initiative’s focus on workers who have stepped away from employment entirely.

“Just last week, DLI released a new report, showing that more than 100,000 working age Montanans are not employed and not seeking work,” Swanson said. “Through 406 JOBS, we have an opportunity to reconnect people from all parts of the state to meaningful work.”

The State Workforce Innovation Board, housed within DLI, will lead the initiative with a mandate to create “targeted outreach and flexible training pathways that remove barriers to employment” for prime working-age residents who have exited the labor force.

The framework prioritizes upskilling workers into occupations with “higher wages, greater stability, and lower risk of automation,” while supporting employers in adopting responsible automation practices that complement workforce goals.

Federal Alignment and Funding

Montana’s initiative directly aligns with Trump’s Executive Order 14278, issued in April, which called for fully equipping workers with skills for future jobs while streamlining disconnected workforce development programs.

The timing positions Montana to compete for federal grants announced last week by the U.S. Department of Labor — $30 million in Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund awards, with up to $8 million available per state for workforce agencies addressing critical skilled trade and emerging industry needs.

“Montana is ideally situated to transform our workforce and drive continued economic growth in the state,” said Jason Yager, SWIB board member and executive director of the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance. “We are hearing almost daily from companies in the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors looking to come to Montana.”

AI Integration and Skills Development

The executive order directs state agencies to expand artificial intelligence training opportunities and incorporate AI skills into career readiness programs, reflecting rapid workplace technology adoption.

DLI will collaborate with the Office of Public Instruction, higher education systems, and the Department of Commerce to provide professional development for educators incorporating AI into career instruction and identify AI tools to assist job seekers in navigating career pathways.

“SWIB is dedicated to reforming our workforce system to be ready for those opportunities, to prepare people for the future, and to bridge the labor gaps in high-demand sectors across the state,” Yager said.

Building on Apprenticeship Success

Montana enters the initiative with momentum from recent apprenticeship expansion. Gianforte’s 2021 rule change allowing one journeyman to supervise two apprentices, rather than the previous 2:1 ratio, has produced record results.

More than 680 Montana businesses now offer apprenticeships, with over 3,150 residents enrolled in active programs — a 25% increase over five years. The growth positions Montana ahead of federal goals to reach one million new active apprentices nationally.

“Boeing is deeply invested in Montana,” said Kevin Poulin, Boeing Helena director. “Workforce initiatives like 406 JOBS will have a wide-reaching impact beyond just one company or site. We know that the partnerships between industry, government, and community groups are essential to building a strong and capable workplace.”

Implementation Timeline

SWIB must deliver an initial implementation plan within 90 days, including measurable outcomes and timelines for the first year. The framework will coordinate efforts across six high-demand sectors: health care, construction, hospitality and recreation, advanced manufacturing and computing, education and child care, and financial and professional services.

The initiative requires quarterly interagency coordination meetings and annual progress reporting to the governor, with agencies designating official liaisons to SWIB for ongoing collaboration.

“Montana’s workforce and education partners anticipated the direction of federal policy and took early, decisive action to align our systems and better serve students, jobseekers, and employers,” Swanson said. “We are leading with a bold vision of zero barriers to employment in the state of Montana.”