Gov. Gianforte Advances 406 JOBS Initiative to Boost Workforce

Approves one-year plan to drive private sector-led workforce reform

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his approval of the 406 JOBS Year One Work Plan, a comprehensive roadmap developed by the State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) to modernize Montana's workforce development system.

"Government usually struggles to move at the speed of business, but 406 JOBS is proving that wrong," Gov. 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 (DLI), 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.

"Immediately following the Governor's announcement of 406 JOBS, DLI and SWIB hit the road with the Montanans at Work statewide tour," said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor. "We traveled to 15 communities around the state and discussed workforce priorities with hundreds of Montanans. We heard from workers about barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and the need for in-demand skills, and from employers about the need for apprenticeship and credentialing programs. This Year One Work Plan is borne out of extensive stakeholder engagement and we are just getting started."

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 (STARS) Act, during the 2025 Legislative Session. The database identifies industry recognized credentials students earn in high school, while also providing access to career and technical education programs. Schools will receive Future Ready payments to expand career programs in middle school and high school.

Additionally, DLI has stood up the Office of Reentry, and state agencies are actively deploying professional development for teachers to equip students with skills needed to navigate and maximize use of artificial intelligence.

"406 JOBS represents a fundamental shift in how our state government approaches workforce readiness," Adam Gilbertson, Senior Vice President at RDO Equipment Co. and current SWIB Chair, said. "It starts with the premise that employers and workers need to be at the center of the effort and that all the agencies of government collaborate to limit redundancy and complexity for both. In addition, this plan prioritizes where the system should focus and sets our sights on preparing Montana's workforce for the future. I applaud the Governor for his commitment to modernizing Montana's workforce system. The plan is in place, now it's time to get to work."

A summary of the 406 JOBS Year One Work Plan may be viewed here . The full plan may be viewed here .

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