State officials are inviting public input on a proposed overhaul of Montana’s workforce development strategy, aimed at better aligning education, job training, and industry needs across the state.
The Montana State Workforce Innovation Board is seeking comment on proposed updates to the state’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan, part of a broader effort under Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 406 JOBS initiative to modernize workforce and career education systems.
At the center of the proposal is a plan to more closely integrate WIOA programs with the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, two federal programs that have historically operated separately in Montana. State leaders say the alignment is intended to create a more unified system that connects education and training directly to high-demand careers.
“By aligning WIOA and Perkins, we are moving from separate silos to a truly integrated workforce system that helps Montanans transition from education and training into meaningful, high-wage careers,” said Sarah Swanson.
The proposal follows passage of House Bill 823 during the 2025 legislative session, which directed the workforce board to take a more active role in developing the state’s Perkins plan. The legislation helped spur increased coordination between agencies, including the Office of Public Instruction and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
Clayton Christian said the changes would strengthen connections between schools, colleges, and employers, helping create a more reliable pipeline of skilled workers.
Highlights of the proposed revisions include treating workforce development, career and technical education, and work-based learning as a single, integrated system; incorporating new federal Pell Grant opportunities for short-term workforce training; and shifting adult education programs to better connect individuals with job training and employment opportunities.
The plan also calls for embedding artificial intelligence literacy into workforce programs and aligning Montana’s strategy with national workforce priorities outlined in America’s Talent Strategy.
Susie Hedalen said the effort would help strengthen pathways from classrooms to careers and expand partnerships between education providers and employers.
State officials are encouraging stakeholders and members of the public to review the draft plan and submit feedback before the comment period closes at 5 p.m. on April 27.
The workforce board will also hold a public meeting on April 27 to discuss the proposal and take comment ahead of its quarterly meeting on April 28. Both meetings will be held at Montana State University in Bozeman.
By BSBH Staff