Governor Greg Gianforte visited Park High School in Livingston, Mont., on April 10 to meet with students involved in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
The visit focused on how CTE programs help prepare students for future careers and support Montana’s workforce. Gianforte said, “Everybody wins when we provide our kids with the tools they need to thrive. Students at Park High and across Montana are getting the hands-on experience they need through Career and Technical Education programs to help prepare them for their future and build a stronger workforce.”
During his tour, Gianforte observed classes in agriculture education, business and media, woodshop, auto shop, greenhouse operations, journalism, and work-based education. He spoke with students about their projects—such as building chairs or sheds—and heard from those participating in job shadowing experiences with local businesses. Some students are working toward becoming Certified Nursing Assistants while others have entrepreneurial goals like opening a food truck.
Gianforte has prioritized expanding trades education since taking office. In 2021 he authorized all school districts statewide to create individualized work-based learning paths for students. By 2023 more than 3,300 high schoolers received college credit through CTE programs—a record number for Montana.
A rule change supported by Gianforte altered the journeyman-to-apprentice ratio from two-to-one to one-to-two in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. This led to a 25 percent increase in available apprenticeships; now over 2,700 apprentices are enrolled across Montana.
Earlier this year Gianforte recognized February as CTE Month by issuing a proclamation that highlighted the importance of hands-on learning for preparing young people for high-demand jobs.
