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FUEL FOR THE FUTURE
This blog is your front-row seat to the big ideas, bold moves, and breakthrough moments happening through Accelerate Montana. It’s more than updates—it’s a window into the heartbeat of our work: advancing economic mobility, sparking innovation, and centering community.


Job Site Ready Named a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant Recipient
Accelerate Montana's Job Site Ready program is honored to be recognized as a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipient for its efforts to...
Oct 8, 20242 min read


Job Site Ready Learner Spotlight: Michelle Cura
This month, we are excited to feature Job Site Ready graduate Michelle Cura and learn more about her experiences as a construction trades professional. How did you get started in the construction trades? Michelle: I never really thought I would be involved in any facet of the construction trade. I always considered it a very manly world and very intimidating. My focus was more on carpentry but more so the woodworking and furniture making aspect. I started taking carpentry
Jul 26, 20244 min read


USI and Accelerate Montana Forge Partnership to Advance Workforce Development and Drone Safety Standards in Montana
Accelerate MT has been assembling teams to support their mission of economic and career development across the state of Montana. Their...
Jul 9, 20243 min read


Biden-Harris Administration Announces Next Funding Round of $504 Million for 12 Tech Hubs Across America
WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA),...
Jul 2, 20244 min read


Accelerate Montana Partners with Microsoft TechSpark Program and Tribal Broadband Bootcamp to Host Broadband Bootcamp in the Fort Belknap Indian Community
Accelerate Montana is pleased to announce the Tribal Broadband Bootcamp, an exciting opportunity for Tribal members across the state of...
May 4, 20242 min read


Lowe’s Foundation Awards Over $6 Million in Gable Grants to Innovative Community Based Nonprofits to Shore Up America’s Skilled Trades Workforce
The Lowe’s Foundation has selected 10 community-based nonprofits as Gable Grants recipients to enhance their innovative skilled trades training programs. These nonprofits expand the foundation’s roster of grant recipients to 24 organizations offering inclusive and scalable training programs in 25 states nationwide. “Skilled trades built our country. But the rate we’re on, by 2050, there won’t be enough electricians to keep the lights on,” said LaToya Faustin, executive direct
Mar 13, 20244 min read


Rapid Training Graduates Celebrate the Success of "Return to the Blanket" at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Accelerate Montana is proud to announce the exceptional achievements of Return to the Blanket, a compelling film directed by Amanda Bearmedicine (Rapid Training Production Assistant PA Graduate) and co-produced by Lynn-Wood Fields and Joseph Grady. This impactful short film recently received first place in the Indigenous Challenge at the Big Sky Film Festival, highlighting its recognition as one of the winning films from the 2023 Indigenous Filmmaker Challenge run by AudPop,
Feb 21, 20242 min read


Promineo: Linda Forlizzi
Linda Forlizzi is a career changer who, fueled by a desire to make the most of her extra time, stumbled into learning to code. Linda completed the front-end and back-end bootcamps here at Promineo Tech via Nashua Community College. She’s currently building an app called “What’s In My Freezer?” which—you guessed it—helps you keep tabs on what you’ve got in cold storage! Language and technology love leads to code “I originally went online trying to learn Spanish and I ended up
Feb 12, 20244 min read


John Freer - Job Site Ready
“Right now Construction in Montana is booming and that's going to be going on for quite a long time,” Job Site Ready (JSR) is designed to provide you with essential skills for entry-level positions in the construction industry. The program is divided into two main components. 30 hours of online modules, providing a flexible learning environment that can be tailored to your schedule and pace. 15 hours of practical, onsite training offered at various locations across Montana, i
Feb 12, 20242 min read


Missoula Coalition wins $50k in U.S. Department of Energy Competition
MISSOULA, Mont- The Missoula Clean Energy Workforce Coalition (CEWC) was awarded $50,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy by placing...
Dec 20, 20232 min read


SkillsFWD awards six inaugural grants
Today, SkillsFWD — a new initiative on a mission to catalyze a more equitable skills-based hiring ecosystem — announced inaugural grants...
Dec 7, 20233 min read


Thomas Kline - Plumbing Case Study
“If you throw a dart at Montana, wherever it sticks as a plumber and electrician you will have work.” Clean water needs to flow through our homes and our businesses. Waste needs to be safely carried away. Without plumbers, public health and sanitation would be at risk. By choosing this trade, you become a vital part of any community, serving a fundamental need that impacts the life of every single citizen. Exploring Opportunities with Plumbing “The opportunity to become yo
Nov 6, 20231 min read


UM Creates New Partnership to Expand Montana’s Technology Workforce
MISSOULA – The University of Montana and The Whole Group are partnering to develop workforce education and training pathways to position...
Oct 26, 20233 min read


Commerce Awards 12 Production Assistant Scholarships to Montana Tribal Members
HELENA, Mont. -- The Montana Department of Commerce, in partnership with Accelerate MT, has awarded twelve scholarships to Montana tribal...
Sep 19, 20233 min read


James TenNapel - CDL Case Study
"I just graduated from MSU-Great Falls in this last class and I got hired immediately and thought it was tailor made for me. I do think it's also a program that's great for different walks of life." Whether you're fresh out of high school or looking for a career change later in life, obtaining a CDL can provide you with endless possibilities. The demand for skilled truck drivers is ever-growing, and companies are actively seeking qualified individuals to join their teams.
Jul 17, 20232 min read


Amita Greer - Montana Code School Case Study
"I worked for a non-profit for about eight years and I felt like I wanted to do something different. I kind of hit my cap in terms of growing in the organization. " Whether you're a complete beginner or have some coding experience, Montana Code School's expert instructors will guide you through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, ensuring that you gain practical skills that are highly sought after by employers. Opportunity for a Lucrative Career "I wanted the opp
Jul 13, 20232 min read


Amanda Bearmedicine - Production Assistant Case Study
"I was scared that there was no Indigenous representation. The next thing you know, I met two other directors from Browning, Montana and it made me want to just do it, because if they can do it, why can't I do it and do the same thing? It gave me a voice!" With an increasing demand for diverse stories and voices, there is a growing need for indigenous individuals like Amanda Bearmedicine to join the film and television industry. By taking on this role, Amanda is contributin
Jul 11, 20232 min read


Cassie Miller- CNA Case Study
"I currently work as a Nursing Assistant and I wanted to take this program in order for a pay increase, and then also to gain the experience and the knowledge that I haven't acquired already working as a Nursing Assistant." CNA's are in High Demand "I very much enjoy being a Nursing Assistant, but there is a lot more job opportunity if you do get certified as a CNA and I do want to continue my career in the healthcare industry." Being a CNA also opens doors for further ad
Jul 11, 20232 min read


Gilles Huegi - Line Program Case Study
"My last career was running stale for me. I looked at this career. I wanted to be back outside, be in the sunshine, and line work seemed like a great option for me to do. Plus, it's great benefits and good pay. and I just wanted to do something better so my family could prosper." One of the most appealing aspects of being a lineman is the opportunity to work outside. Say goodbye to stuffy office cubicles and hello to breathtaking Montana landscapes as you climb poles and t
Jul 11, 20232 min read


New certified nursing assistants graduate Browning training program
A public-private partnership led by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry graduated a cohort of 22 new certified nursing...
Jul 5, 20232 min read
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