MontanaHB 72169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise laws relating to apprenticeship programs

Sponsored By: Curtis Schomer (Republican)

Became Law

Labor and EmploymentVocational Education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Apprentice pay based on prevailing wages

The law uses the state’s construction prevailing wage as the base for apprentice pay in covered districts. Your agreement must include a wage schedule that rises as you progress, following state criteria. Employers must compute apprentice wages using this base and the agreed step increases.

What apprenticeship agreements must include

Agreements must name the trade, list training steps and time at each, and require at least 2,000 work hours. They must state classroom hours (the state recommends 144 per year) and set the apprentice‑to‑journeyman ratio; the department honors ratios in union contracts or industry practice. Apprentices must be at least 16. Programs include probation; during probation any party can end the agreement in writing, and after probation the department ends registration only if all parties agree. You may ask the labor department to help settle disputes; if your employer cannot finish training, duties can shift to an approved employer. You can receive up to 50% credit for prior experience with employer or committee support and department approval, and the department may set extra standards.

Classroom and on-the-job training help

State and local vocational boards provide classroom and related instruction for apprentices, working with the apprenticeship agency. They coordinate class work with on‑the‑job training and may use subject experts and national programs. The labor department also helps build on‑the‑job training for jobs that are not suited to apprenticeships.

State registration, standards, and certificates

The labor department promotes registered apprenticeship agreements and registers those that meet state standards and serve apprentices’ interests. It keeps records and issues completion certificates based on performance. The department can cancel or terminate registrations according to agreement terms and sets statewide apprenticeship standards. It can make rules and follow compatible federal regulations. An apprentice is a worker in a written agreement registered with the department.

Employers choose to join apprenticeships

Employer participation in the state apprenticeship system is voluntary. The program’s rules apply only after an employer chooses to follow them.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Curtis Schomer
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Gregg Hunter
Republican • Senate
Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 2

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2025