Skip to main content
Reach Higher Montana LogoReach Higher Montana Logo
    • Plan Your Future
      • Explore Your Options
      • Find Your Career Path
      • Homeless Youth
      • Pay for School
      • Scholarships
      • Youth in Foster Care
    • Stay Informed
      • Bulletin Board
      • Calendar
      • Educator Resources
      • Resource Library
    • About Us
      • Employment
      • Mission
      • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
      • Advisors
      • Corporate

    Teacher Externship Application is OPEN, Apply Now!

    Work Based Learning

    Get Involved

    Contact Us

    Join our mailing list

    Upcoming events

    FEB

    01

    Montana WBL Collaborative Quarterly Meeting

    Meeting will be held in Helena

    MAY

    03

    Montana WBL Collaborative Quarterly Meeting

    What is work-based learning, anyway?

    In simple terms, it is learning about work, at work. Work-based learning happens through several different structures, for example:

    Work-site tours and job shadows

    Work-site tours and job shadows

    Brief, observational, onsite visits to work places.                                                    

    Internships

    Internships

    Short-term on-the-job experiences (3-6 months). Can be paid or unpaid, focuses on career exploration.

    Apprenticeships

    Apprenticeships

    1-5 year commitment, pairing classroom instruction with paid, supervised, on-the-job training leading to industry recognized credential(s). 

    Work-based Learning Continuum

    Our Vision

    Our Vision

    Every young adult in Montana will have multiple pathways to economic self-sufficiency, supported by a statewide work- based learning system that honors the potential of students and addresses the workforce needs of Montana businesses, today and tomorrow.

    Why now?

    Work-based learning opportunities span a continuum from workplace tours to youth apprenticeship (and many models in between). While large employers may have the capacity to offer work-based learning experiences for students, small employers often become quickly overwhelmed trying to navigate work-based learning. 

    Read More

    From a policy perspective, there are components of work-based learning in the K-12 education system, the postsecondary education system, and the public workforce system – but no single entry point for students or employers to access them, and limited coordination across agencies.

    Who We Are

    A cross-section of public and private sector organizations with a stake in work-based learning, determined to work together to find a better way to ensure Montana students, educators, and businesses are supported by high-quality, accessible, relevant, and measurable work-based learning opportunities.

    Meet our partners

    Featured Programs

    Video - Why Join an MCC Crew?  Why Join an MCC Crew?

    Video - Billings Career Center students fix up car for woman  Billings Career Center students fix up car for woman

    Video - NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House  NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House

    Resources

    Employers

    Grow your talent pipeline through high-quality work-based learning.

    • WBL Toolkit for Employers
      Resources, tools, and guidance to successfully develop high-quality work-based learning experiences for students.
    • Montana’s Child Labor Law Reference Guide 
    • Preparing to Host an Intern
      Sample intern job descriptions, ideas for tasks, sample work plans, and more
    • Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program 
    • Youth Apprenticeships
      A youth apprenticeship is a structured, work-based learning program designed to start when apprentices are in high school.
    • Montana Workforce System Guide
      From the Montana State Workforce Innovation Board.

    Educators

    Help students connect their classroom learning to their future careers.

    • Montana Department of Labor & Industry Career Lab 
      Educator Resources
    • Relevant work-based learning policies
      Compiled by the Montana School Boards Association
    • Teacher Externships
      Work-based learning isn’t just for kids! Teachers have the opportunity to experience professional work settings in the manufacturing industry. Apply now, applications due March 3.  Contact Jason Butcher to learn more.

    Students

    Explore your career interests through on-the-job learning.

    • Plan your Future with Reach Higher Montana
      As a student you can do a lot to start preparing for your future.
    • Find Montana Construction Careers 
      Visit Build Montana
    • Interested in a High-Tech career? 
      Learn about college programs, coding schools, and training.
    • Explore Healthcare Careers
    • Legal Information
      Montana’s Child Labor Law Reference Guide

    Partners

    • AMB West Philanthropies 
    • American Jobs For America’s Youth MT 
    • Big Sandy Organics
    • Billings Public Schools 
    • Central Montana Works
    • EdChoice
    • Flathead Valley Community College 
    • Gianforte Family Foundation 
    • Helena College 
    • Livingston Community School Collaborative
    • Livingston Public Schools
    • Miles Community College
    • Montana ACTE
    • Montana Chamber Of Commerce 
    • Montana Dept. of Corrections
    • Montana Dept. Of Labor & Industry 
    • Montana FFA Foundation 
    • Montana High Tech Business Alliance 
    • Montana Manufacturing Extension Center 
    • Montana Office Of Public Instruction 
    • Montana Primary Care Association 
    • Montana State Workforce Innovation Board 
    • Office Of The Commissioner Of Higher Education 
    • Office Of The Governor 
    • People's Partners for Community Development
    • Salish Kootenai College 
       

    Connect with us

    • Kelly Cresswell, Executive Director, Reach Higher Montana
      kcresswell@reachhighermontana.org
      (406) 422-1275, Ext. 804
    • Jason Butcher, Outreach Director, Reach Higher Montana
      jbutcher@reachhighermontana.org
      (406) 366-0777
    Powered by
    Workmosis your Outsource Resource
    Plan Your Future
    Find Your Career Path
    Explore Your Options
    Pay for School
    Scholarships
    Youth in Foster Care
    Stay Informed
    Bulletin Board
    Calendar
    Resource Library
    Educator Resources
    About Us
    Mission
    Board of Directors
    Contact Us
    Advisors
    Corporate

    © Reach Higher Montana 2023

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram