FAQ

Becoming a Montana Registered Apprentice is one option for individuals who would like to join our state’s workforce after graduating from high school. Upon program completion, apprentices will have earned the nationally-recognized Apprenticeship Completion Certificate from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

An apprenticeship occupation follows these state and federal guidelines:

  1. Is typically learned through a structured program of supervised on-the-job training.
  2. It is clearly defined and recognized throughout an industry.
  3. Involves special skills and knowledge that requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience.
  4. Requires instruction directly related to the occupation to supplement on-the-job training.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Montana Registered Apprenticeship is an employer designed & driven training program, consisting of not less than 2000 hours (1 year) of On-the-Job Training (OJT), and not less than 144 hours of related college-level coursework per 2000 hours of OJT. This training is designed to teach specific and technical job skills unique to the employer’s profession. Formal registered apprenticeship completion can be the basis for professional licensing or confer journeyman status in the chosen field. A Montana Registered Apprenticeship program completion certificate, like any diploma, is recognized in all 50 states.

  • If you are interested in joining a Montana Registered Apprenticeship program, follow these four steps.

    1. Click on the “Contact Us” button and fill out the form with your basic contact information and occupation interest. Select the apprenticeship trade or occupation that you have an interest, aptitude or previous experience.
    2. Have a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET equivalency test at the onset or within the six months of starting your apprenticeship.
    3. Determine if you can work under the required job conditions.
    4. Find an apprenticeship employer/sponsor:

  • You know the skill sets your business needs and how to train your employees. By partnering with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, your Montana Registered Apprenticeship participants will earn the official Apprenticeship Completion Certificate upon completion of their training. This is a nationally recognized certification that shows your commitment to training your workforce.

    By developing an employer-specific in-house apprenticeship training program, you will be able to provide on-the-job training with college-level related training instruction specific to your needs.

    In addition, to help to grow your company with qualified and trained employees, your company may qualify for tax credits as a Montana Registered Apprenticeship sponsor.

  • When your business trains employees through the Montana Registered Apprenticeship program, you are enabling them to grow skills and have a life-long career with your company. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 91% of apprentices that complete an apprenticeship are still employed nine months later.

Get Started as an Apprentice. Have a Question or Need More Information?

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