DLI Newsletter | April 2023
Message from the Commissioner:
Dear Reader,
It is hard to believe we are already into the month of April. I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful Easter celebration with your friends and family. Please enjoy the latest updates from the Department, and as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Laurie Esau
Commissioner of Labor & Industry
Montana Sees Record Low Unemployment Rate
Montana’s unemployment rate set a new all-time low in February, declining 0.1% to 2.4%.
The February rate of 2.4% is the lowest level of unemployment in Montana since recordkeeping began in 1976. Montana’s unemployment rate is the fourth lowest in the nation.
Since January 2021, Montana has created more than 34,000 jobs, and its labor force has grown by more than 26,000 workers. Both Montana’s total employment and labor force are at their highest levels ever.
Total employment in Montana (which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers) added a robust 1,265 jobs in February, marking the highest level ever of total employment in Montana at 557,272 jobs. Montana added 300 payroll jobs in February, with retail trade, leisure and hospitality, and accommodations and food service adding the most jobs.
Total employment in Montana is at 105.3% of pre-pandemic levels.
Montana’s labor force continued its growth by an additional 632 workers, bringing the state’s labor force to 571,034 workers. Montana’s unemployment dipped below 3% in November of 2021 and has remained at historic low levels since.
Apprenticeship Partners with Missoula to Meet Workforce Needs
Missoula's Clean Energy Workforce Coalition has received a national award to create more clean energy jobs for low-income women, and women of color.
The Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program is partnering with Missoula County to build more apprenticeships and training programs in the area. According to a press release issued by Missoula County, "The group of partners received $30,000 to strengthen and grow this coalition and its work with low-income women and women of color. This new coalition will help us build a bridge for women to enter the clean energy economy, increasing access to economic prosperity and developing the workforce needed in our community.”
This is phase one of the project. In May, phase two begins, and the Missoula team will be eligible for an additional $115,00 when they submit their coalition implementation plan.
Our registered apprenticeship specialists in Missoula are working to expand and create more apprenticeship opportunities for this project.
Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Statewide Needs Assessment Survey
 Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) is committed to providing quality services to Montana businesses and job seekers with disabilities. VRBS works with its partners to support qualified, skilled job seekers with disabilities in meeting the diverse labor needs of Montana businesses. We are seeking your input to better understand how organizations that support job seekers with disabilities can best serve the business community. To take the survey click here.
Coming Soon: ABC Clinics
Registration Opens May 1, 2023
 This year the Governor's Conference on Workers' Compensation will be held September 27-29, at the Kimpton Armory Hotel in Bozeman. Conference topics will include Innovation within the Workplace, Returning At-Risk Workers in the Workplace, Communication in the Workplace, and much more. For more details and to book your discounted hotel room click here.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MTDLI/bulletins/34a7c63
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