First Registered Apprenticeship Program in Montana Builds Workforce

In 2023, Montana added 625 new manufacturers, starting 2024 with nearly 5,100 manufacturing companies statewide. While this impressive growth is a boon for the state, manufacturers face the same workforce challenges as in other areas of the country related to retirements and skills gaps due to rapidly changing technology.  

Searching for solutions, the local manufacturing community is finding a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program, which provides employees with vibrant career pathways and employers with skilled talent, is a promising approach.

“With employers struggling to fill skilled positions and retain qualified candidates, Registered Apprenticeship provides solutions for those issues,” said Shauna Johnson, Program Specialist, Registered Apprenticeship, Montana Department of Labor & Industry (MDLI). “The great thing about RA is that it can be super customizable to fit the specific needs of the employer or occupation, thus allowing companies to grow their own ‘unicorn’ employees.”

Johnson said that with a low unemployment rate, employers need to become more creative about what they can offer a prospective employee.

“Offering a Registered Apprenticeship program will most likely yield a more diverse candidate pool, as many recognize the benefits already, as well as being a pathway to advancement for current employees,” she said.

Montana Manufacturing Extension Center & Montana Registered Apprenticeship

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) recognized that most Montana manufacturers were unfamiliar with the apprenticeship model and with the benefits it could provide to their workforce development.  

As a result, MMEC developed the Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship with Tooling U-SME which was approved by The Montana Department of Labor & Industry. MMEC partnered with MDLI to become an apprenticeship sponsor, removing the paperwork burden from the manufacturer.  

The next step was recruiting manufacturers to pilot the program.

“American Chemet in East Helena took the bold step and volunteered to be the first Montana manufacturer to implement the program,” said Paddy Fleming, Center Director, MMEC. 

American Chemet Corporation, started in 1946, is a privately­ owned company that manufactures and markets metal oxides, powders and chemicals. 

“It’s hard to fill positions,” said Jill Bollier, Human Resources Director, American Chemet. “As with most of the industry, even when we do, the first six to 12 months is the most difficult time, with newly trained employees often leaving.”

Bollier said this turnover causes frustration with incumbent employees.

The RA program, along with a mentoring program that helps employees understand Chemet’s culture, is helping change that—building engagement and retention.

The Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship

The Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship kicked off in 2023 with 12 American Chemet employees in the first cohort with a combination of online classes through Tooling U-SME and 2,000 hours of required on-the-job training (OJT). The program typically takes one year to complete.

The on-line classes cover topics such as safety, additive manufacturing, blueprint reading, CNC, inspection, Lean manufacturing, math fundamentals, measurement and inspection, quality, and robotics — all topics that are relevant to entry-level positions throughout a wide-range of industries. Once employees complete the 25 online classes, they receive a nationally recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential through SME. The employees received additional in-person training from MMEC.

Once the OJT session is completed, the employee earns the title of “Certified Manufacturing Apprentice” and receives an apprentice certificate from the State of Montana. 

In addition, employees who participate are motivated to stay with the company for at least an additional year after completing the OJT session, which tends to reduce attrition among entry level employees. 

“The apprentice program is attractive for those who want to advance their careers in manufacturing and increase their earning potential, helping set American Chemet apart as an employer of choice,” said Brian Sullivan, Business Advisor, MMEC, who works closely with the company on the program.

Sullivan said many of the participants completed all the courses and the final exam within four months. The company promoted one of the apprentices immediately. All that have completed 2,000 hours of work after passing the final exam have received their apprentice certificate from the State of Montana.  

“These employees finished the program with state and national credentials, a pay raise, and one promotion!” said Sullivan, who added that American Chemet celebrated the apprentices at a special event to mark the milestone for them and their families.

American Chemet is seeing other advantages too.

“Since we implemented the apprenticeship program, turnover has gone down significantly, especially with new employees in their first six to 12 months,” said Bollier. “This year, our turnover for employees within the first six months has decreased by 35 percent, and retention of those who have completed the program is 90 percent, most which have been with the company over a year, and we are seeing those that join are staying.”

She said that there is positive feedback internally, and engagement is growing between employees. This all leads to improved morale and a general sense of excitement about employee accomplishments.

Based on these results, a second cohort with eight employees started in July. Apprentices from the first group agreed to serve as mentors to provide moral support and share their manufacturing knowledge.

A third cohort is expected to begin in January 2025.

Building Montana’s Manufacturing Workforce

The collaboration between MMEC, American Chemet and the state of Montana has shown the power of partnerships. 

As more employees participate in RA programs across the state, it will help expand the base of skilled manufacturing workers and raise awareness about manufacturing career opportunities in Montana. 

“This is the first time a program of this kind has be implemented in this state,” said Johnson. “We hope other employers will understand the value of Registered Apprenticeship and consider it for themselves.” 

Johnson added, “It truly takes investment from the employer as well as the employee, and fosters strong loyalty when both parties see a return on those investments. American Chemet is smart for offering this apprenticeship opportunity, and I’m sure it will lead to continued successes for them.”

There is plenty of opportunity for other manufacturers in Montana to take advantage of this proven RA program. MMEC is also talking with the Department of Corrections as a potential partner.

Fleming said, “MMEC hopes that other Montana manufacturers will recognize American Chemet’s results and will either ask MMEC to assist them in implementing the Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship or ask MMEC to design and implement a customized manufacturing apprenticeship using Tooling U-SME resources.”