Montana Faces Skilled Trades Shortage Amid Retiring Workforce – Where is the next generation of skilled trades workers?

Montana’s skilled trades face a critical shortage as retiring workers outpace younger replacements.

Employers across the state are struggling to fill positions in welding, flooring installation, and commercial driving, amid rising demand and competitive wages. This structural gap challenges Montana’s economic resilience, as experienced workers exit and new entrants have yet to scale sufficiently.

Instead of spending four years pursuing a degree and potentially taking on tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, students can often enter the workforce quickly and begin earning immediately while building experience.

Thousands currently participate in registered apprenticeship programs statewide, supported by institutions like Great Falls College MSU. Wages reflect strong incentives: the statewide median advertised wage is $22.77 per hour, rising to nearly $47 per hour at the 90th percentile, translating to almost $97,500 annually for full-time workers. Industry leaders emphasize that without qualified installers, businesses cannot meet customer needs, while training programs aim to prepare workers for these openings. Interviews reveal that many students, such as CDL trainee Travis Filippi and flooring installer Marvin Cook-Kazhe, find skilled trades a viable and fulfilling career alternative to four-year degrees.

Montana employers search for the next generation of skilled trades workers
By Quentin Shores, KRTV NEWS Great Falls