Gianforte Advances Jobs Initiative
Gov. Greg Gianforte has announced his approval of the 406 JOBS Year One Work Plan, a comprehensive roadmap developed by the State Workforce Innovation Board to modernize Montana’s workforce development system. “Government usually struggles to move at the speed of business, but 406 JOBS is proving that wrong,” Gianforte said. “We launched this initiative with a clear mission: we can do better to empower Montana’s workers and employers. This plan does just that. By tearing down silos and listening to job creators, we will ensure every Montanan has a clear pathway to a good-paying job and the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”
Delivered just 90 days after the governor launched the 406 JOBS initiative with Executive Order 5-2025, the plan outlines immediate actions to align government resources to support workers and employers. The plan identifies 12 priorities across the workforce system, including private and public sectors, to drive innovation, remove red tape, and foster collaboration between state agencies. Key initiatives focus on increasing Registered Apprenticeship Pathways, preparing the workforce for artificial intelligence and automation opportunities, and establishing local sector partnerships in high demand sectors.
To support labor force growth, the plan also addresses childcare shortages and removing barriers to employment for veterans, individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities, and those reentering society through the newly established Office of Reentry. Additional action items include launching a statewide credential registry, modernizing career exploration tools, expanding jobs for Montana’s graduates and empowered sites, and improving overall coordination between state agencies.
The plan represents a unified effort across state government, including the Department of Labor & Industry, Department of Public Health and Human Services, Department of Commerce, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, and the Office of Public Instruction as well as workforce partners such as the Montana Chamber of Commerce and industry leaders. The plan was developed with significant stakeholder input and will continue to reflect public input during implementation. Implementation is already underway on several of the priority initiatives in the plan. Earlier this month, DLI announced the final rule implementing the statewide credential registry authorized in House Bill 252, the Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success Act, during the 2025 Legislative Session.
