In Montana, the apprenticeship system is administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. There are currently 564 employer-sponsors and 896 apprentices registered with the department. Employer and apprentice participation in a registered apprenticeship system is voluntary. Both employer-sponsors and apprentices benefit from participation in a registered apprenticeship program. Participating employers have a source of trained workers with experience specific to their particular business.
Employers pay progressive wages based upon apprentice skill and experience level.
In addition, apprentices are exempt from prevailing wage requirements on public works projects. Apprentices benefit from the program by receiving a broad education combining work experience with academic instruction, earning wages while they learn, and receiving regular pay raises as job skills progress. In addition, training costs are paid by the employer. This audit report presents information pertaining to the Appren-ticeship and Training Program and includes recommendations for improvements to program operations. These recommendations address administration and distribution of educational grants.