A STRATEGIC WORKFORCE VISION ROOTED IN ACTION...WorkForceMT is an education and industry partnership, not a new government program. Montana businesses are already deeply invested in

FoxForGovernor.com

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The Fox administration will be a jobs administration. Economic growth that puts food on the table and provides a stable retirement for hard-working Montanans is a central tenet of Tim Fox’s vision for a safer, more prosperous future for our state. But to tap into our full economic potential, we must develop a Montana-made plan that leverages our strengths and reduces our weaknesses.

Montana is a small business and entrepreneurial state, with approximately 91 percent of all businesses employing less than 20 people.1 Montana’s economy is dependent on small business growth and the entrepreneurial vigor of our citizens. As such, any plan to promote economic growth must focus on our small businesses.

And there is no better candidate for governor to do so than Tim Fox.

Tim is the son of Montana small business owners. Prior to becoming Attorney General, Tim was a small business owner. As an attorney practicing law in Montana for 33 years, Tim has helped many Montanans start their own small businesses and prosper. To his core, Tim understands the burden government imposes on hard-working Montana entrepreneurs.

Tim commits to invest in workforce development, improve government response time for permitting and licensing, responsibly cut taxes, empower the Montana business climate through targeted tax reform, advance smart infrastructure, promote policies that ensure businesses have access to affordable worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance, reduce regulations to a more reasonable level, and ensure access to affordable healthcare.

“There is no doubt that Montana’s skilled and educated workforce shortage is choking the economy,” Tim Fox said at a recent town hall meeting. “Hospitals can’t find nurses; tractor and car repair shops cannot find technicians; contractors cannot find welders, plumbers, electricians or carpenters; schools can’t find teachers and the list goes on and on.”

The Montana education system currently has strong opportunities for students pursuing a four-year professional degree after high school. But only about half of Montana’s 12,000 annual High School graduates seek this option.2 Tim Fox believes there is much room for improving educational opportunities for students interested in jobs through Career & Technical Education (CTE). Not only are there many well-paying career and technical jobs to be found across the state, but there is also a huge workforce shortage. Providing CTE opportunities to Montana high school and college students, and to Montanans interested in a career change, will be a hallmark of the Fox administration.

Montana has a powerful higher education platform to build upon consisting of six four-year universities, seven two-year colleges, three community colleges, and seven independently controlled Tribal Colleges. Tim, building upon the strong, respectful relationships he has developed with Montana’s Higher Education Community, will work diligently with them to better align our 2-year system with recruiting and serving those students best served by a career in the technical fields. “There is no reason to begin from scratch here,” Tim said. “We have thoughtfully invested people who care about student education. We have businesses that are looking for valued employees. I will use the skills and knowledge I have gained from respectfully working across Montana to better align the needs of Montana businesses with our existing education system. I will bring everyone around the table to define the right pathway, investment, and incentive package where our K-12 system, our Higher Education System, and our Montana Businesses are all working together in the best interest of Montanans and our students.”

EMPOWERING MONTANA’S ECONOMY A STRATEGIC WORKFORCE VISION ROOTED IN ACTION

1 (2019). Montana Economic Development Report, 2019. Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development. http://business.mt.gov/Portals/49/Doc/2019_MT%20Eco-nomic%20Development%20Report.pdf?ver=2019-10-01-111659-4472 Schontzler, G. (2018, November). Montana universities want to attract high school grads not planning for college. Bozeman Daily Chronicle. https://www.bozemandaily-chronicle.com/news/montana_state_university/montana-universities-want-to-attract-high-school-grads-not-planning/article_6b8640e5-eeaa-5c39-9e9d-f7bf984b0cf6.html

Paid for by Fox for Governor. Republican. PO Box 1557, Helena, MT 59624.

3 Economic Outlook, Patrick M. Barkey, Director Bureau of Business and Economic Research University of Montana4 2019 Table Survey, Montana Chamber of Commerce

Today, there is uncertainty with COVID-19, and we must focus first upon ensuring that our businesses and schools have a solid path through this crisis. In time, normality will return. Montana’s economic growth rate of 2.6 percent GDP is low when compared to western states, which are growing at an average of 3.8 percent.3 We must strive to minimize political taglines and infighting and unite as a state in the name of job creation and wage growth. We are competing with neighbor states for jobs and capital investment. Tim Fox commits to uniting Montana around a strategy that will empower economic growth and long-term sustainability.

The Fox/Knokey Team’s demonstrated their ability to unite Montanans through statesmanship, thoughtful leadership, character, and vision. This is what differentiates the Fox/Konkey Team from the other polarizing and divisive tickets running for governor.

A recent Montana Chamber of Commerce survey indicates that 36 percent of Montana businesses have turned down business opportunities due to workforce challenges, and 72 percent of responding businesses are not satisfied with the availability of skilled workers in Montana.4

“The student who apprentices to be a tractor repairman, plumber, nurse, builder or electrician is one smart student and has my absolute and full support,” Tim Fox said at a recent town hall. “She or he will graduate high school, have no debt, and be ready for a great and fulfilling career.”

What we know:


Young people are not entering technical career fields at the rate Montana needs to meet emerging opportu-nities.

About half of all Montana High School graduates do not choose to pursue a four-year secondary education.

Educators and mentors need support to effectively articulate opportunities available and build interest in Career & Technical education pathways. CTE must become a rigorous, respected option at the K-12 level for students that envision a future in the technical fields.

The investment in equipment to remain current on new technology required for this training already exists in industry, but school procurement would be costly. A partnership between industry and education can provide students with access to the latest technology available.

Industry partners face challenges working within legacy education policy in a rapidly changing economy.

A major pillar for economic growth is solving Montana’s workforce challenge and empow-ering the workforce. I will lead a revolutionary effort called WorkForceMT

PRINCIPLED. MONTANAN. CONSERVATIVE.

WORKFORCEMTConnecting Montana students to Montana jobsAddressing workforce needs should focus on preparing students before they graduate from high school. 80 percent of Montana Chamber businesses agree that school districts should be incentivized to put equal emphasis on all career paths.5 While young people struggle to navigate this career transition, businesses in Montana are finding it difficult to fill important positions and acquire talented workers ready to take on the challenges of Montana’s growing economy.

WorkForceMT is an education and industry partnership, not a new government program. Montana businesses are already deeply invested in solving this workforce issue. Tim knows there is opportunity to bolster the connection between industry and education to effectively empower Montana students.

WorkForceMT is a bold and innovative partnership between industry and the education community, enabling a deeper collaboration between the school district and local businesses. As part of this strategy, Tim Fox will create plans for specific industries to highlight the different careers available to students in their hometowns and across the state. The Montana business community sells the value of products and services they provide to their clients and customers every day. WorkForceMT will create the environment to show Montana students how much Montana jobs have to offer.

In the educational setting, students will be empowered to begin their credentialing process so they can graduate high school already on the road to a good-paying and meaningful job.

5 2019 Table Survey, Montana Chamber of Commerce


PILLARS OF WORKFORCEMTA strategy of education alignment, student engagement, and industry partnership


BUILD (Construction)

GROW (Agriculture)

HEAL (Medicine)

FEED (Culinary)

PLUMB (Plumbing)

CODE (IT, Coding)

REPAIR (Diesel &Gas techs)

WELCOME (Tourism)

DESIGN (Graphic Arts, Printing, Interior Design)

DRIVE (Automotive & Trucking)

CARE (Hospital prep/caretaking)

INVEST (Finance & Banking)

SELL (Realty and Retail)

SPARK (Electricians)

SERVE (Restaurants/Hospitality)

BEAUTY (Barber & Cosmetics)

CREATE (Mining, Refining, Logging, Manufacturing)

4 Dennison, M. (2014, April). Foundation funded by sale of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana will have $150M. Montana Standard. https://mtstan-dard.com/news/local/foundation-funded-by-sale-of-blue-cross-and-blue-shield/article_b7c0141c-c836-11e3-9ff0-0019bb2963f4.html5 Montana Healthcare Foundation. https://mthcf.org/about/6 Erickson, D. (2015, December). Attorney general approves proposal for $74M in proceeds from CMC sale. Missoulian. https://missoulian.com/news/local/attor-ney-general-approves-proposal-for-m-in-proceeds-from-cmc/article_4dc97b28-3d58-5ac7-8768-ef906adf945e.html7 Headwaters Foundation. https://www.headwatersmt.org/foundation/


CONRAD SCHOOL DISTRICTCurrent example to replicateWorkForceMT, a current example to replicate: The Conrad school district recently launched its Trades Academy and partnered with the local John Deere dealer, Frontier Ag Solutions. The focus was on training ag service technicians. The school district customized a flexible education plan where students could gain the knowledge and skills necessary while earning credit. The John Deere dealership provid-ed capital investment and covered the cost of modules and on-site performance classes and testing. After a morning of classes, the students arrive at the dealership around 2 p.m. and usually leave at 4 p.m. “Not only are the students learning the solid technical skills needed to join the workforce,” a manager for Deere said, “students are picking up the work ethic to keep them employed.”

Under WorkForceMT, the school district will be empowered to provide:

A custom framework that allows the personalization and flexibility for students to gain the knowl-edge and skills necessary in the partnership.

A Trades Academy facilitator who works with businesses, students, school staff and parents on processes, problems and potential solutions, researches and acquires the partners.

Tuition costs for modules and the cost for on-site performance classes and testing.

The school system provides every student with an adult advisor who is theiradvocate, guiding student responsibility, and encouraging high levels of learning.

Funding for the Trades Academy partnerships, through the federal 21st Century grant.

Basic IT services to troubleshoot access issues and ensure students have effective digital tools at the school site.

Liability insurance for the unpaid internships.

Under WorkForceMT, industry partners will provide:

Appropriate financial investment that will lead to more students ready to assimilate into full-time employment for certified students.

The opportunity to intern.

A key liaison at the site for the Trades Academy facilitator’s collaboration.

User profiles and other technical matters necessary to enroll and work on industry curriculum.

The primary mentorship of students at the industry site – a committed, effective service manager is vital to the success of any partnership.

Time of service technicians assigned to the student.

9 Montana Healthcare Workforce Advisory Committee. (2017). Montana Healthcare Statewide Strategic Plan. 46. http://healthinfo.montana.edu/work-force-development/mhwac/documents/MHW%20Strategic%20Plan%202017.pdf

PROFICIENCY TESTING & STANDARDIZATION WITH LOCAL CUSTOMIZATIONEstablish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person


PILLARS OF WORKFORCEMT Opportunities to connect education leaders, local industry leaders, and students

The use of personalized learning methods is critical to establish industry partnerships with the education system in Montana. Personalized learning means students work at their pace, must demonstrate profi-ciency in their learning, and be able to communicate what they learned and what they know. Today, students need to be independent learners, skilled at design thinking and must be able to manage and own their own actions. WorkForceMT is about anytime, anywhere learning that leverages the power of place, whether it is travel-based learning, workplace learning, or virtual learning. It is about helping our young people appreciate where they are from and why being a Montanan matters.

According to the Montana Constitution, “It is the goal of the people to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person.” The goal of WorkForceMT is to support local school districts in meeting this goal. By complementing the work of The OPI divisions, OCHE, local school boards, the staff in each Montana school district, parents and guardians, Tim Fox’s partnership with career-ready student opportunities will enhance these efforts. The 50 percent of students choosing a path other than college will find a path of purpose as we join with them and help them to be successful.

In almost every Montana industry, there are several opportunities to connect education leaders, local industry leaders, and students. These pillars will allow students to get class credit while learning skills and potentially begin the credentialing or apprenticeship coursework while still in school.

BUILDLocal infrastructure and building contractors partner with schools and students Local infrastructure and building contractors partner with schools and students to provide enhanced opportunities in areas such as welding, home building, bridge-road construction, masonry, etc

10 Collaboration for Behavioral Health, Letter from Executive Director Mary Windecker, January 202011 Collaboration for Behavioral Health, Letter from Executive Director Mary Windecker, January 202012 Collaboration for Behavioral Health, Letter from Executive Director Mary Windecker, January 2020


GROWLocal farmers and ranchers partner with schools and students Local farmers and ranchers, together, with the important businesses and organizations that enable and assist them (including co-ops, agronomy and seed companies, and even state agencies that support agriculture) partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in areas such as IT, STEM, genetics, manufacturing, biology, horticulture science, veterinary science, and agri-science. There are great careers in Montana’s largest industry, and we have an opportunity to leverage our strong FFA program into career opportunities.

CARE Local in-home care providers and assisted living facilities partner with schools and studentsLocal in-home care providers, independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and continuum of care facilities partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in areas such as meal preparation and caretaking.

HEALLocal hospitals, community clinics, and other health care facilities partner with schools and studentsLocal acute care hospitals, critical care hospitals, community clinics, treatment clinics, and other health care facilities partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in areas such as nursing, patient care, food services, bookkeeping, billing and insurance.

FEEDLocal restaurant and foodservice industries partner with schools and students Local restaurant and foodservice industries partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in areas such as chefs, management, and other positions in the culinary arts. The Montana Retail Association’s “Prostart” program has had great success creating career opportunities in the restau-rant and foodservice business. In fact, they have a culinary arts program that enables Montana kids to gain valuable experience in this field and to participate in high school competitions across the state.

13 Hughes, R. (2014, January). Adult Residential Assisted Living. Montana Healthcare Association. https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2013-2014/Chil-dren-Family/Meetings/January-2014/hughes-assisted-living-jan2014.pdf14 (2019, January). Medicaid in Montana. DPHHS. https://dphhs.mt.gov/Portals/85/Documents/biennialreports/MedicaidInMontana2019Report.pdf15 Over 60 in the 406. Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. DPHHS. https://dphhs.mt.gov/Portals/85/publichealth/documents/BRFSS/-Factors/BRFSS_Over_60_in_the_406.pdf


DRIVEAutomotive companies partner with schools and studentsAutomotive companies partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in the automotive, transportation, and trucking industries.

INVESTLocal banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions partner with schools and studentsLocal banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, and other financial institutions partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in lending, capital and investment.

SELLLocal real estate firms and retail businesses partner with schools and students Local real estate firms and retail businesses partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in residential and commercial real estate transactions, and sales.

PLUMBINGLocal plumbers partner with schools and studentsLocal plumbers partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in plumbing and heating, and to help students begin the apprenticeship process while still in high school.

SPARKLocal electrical companies partner with schools and students Local electrical companies partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in electrician work, and to begin the apprenticeship process while still in high school

16 American Indian Health. https://mthcf.org/focus-areas/american-indian-health-2/


REPAIRLocal automotive, powersport, and equipment repair facilities partner with schools and studentsLocal automotive, powersport, and equipment repair facilities partner with schools and students to pro-vide enhanced career opportunities in the areas of repair and service of today’s high-tech engines and machines.

SERVELocal hospitality providers partner with schools and studentsLocal hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality providers partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities to learn the skills needed to be successful in Montana’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

BEAUTYLocal barbershops and cosmetology businesses partner with schools and students Local barbershops and cosmetology businesses partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities to learn skills needed to be successful in the industry.

WELCOMELocal travel agents, outfitters and guides, and other tourism-related busi-nesses partner with schools and students Local Chambers of Commerce, travel agents, outfitters and guides, and other tourism-related businesses partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in the tourism industry.

CODELocal information technology companies partner with schools and students Local information technology companies partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in programming, web design, computer repair, and other key IT skills while still in high school.

17 Montana Hospital Association. https://mtha.org/mha-workforce/health-care-workforce-facts/18 Picchi, A. (2019, July). Drug prices in 2019 are surging, with hikes at 5 times inflation. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-pric-es-in-2019-are-surging-with-hikes-at-5-times-inflation/


CREATELocal manufacturing businesses partner with schools and studentsLocal mines, refineries, logging companies, wood products businesses, and manufacturing businesses partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in the industry.

DESIGNLocal graphic art and design businesses partner with schools and studentsLocal graphic art businesses, printing businesses, and interior design businesses partner with schools and students to provide enhanced career opportunities in graphic art, print services, and interior design.

The above list of potential WorkForceMT pillars is not intended to be an exhaustive or final list, and the Fox/Knokey Team invite all Montanans to submit their ideas and suggestions on other areas in which schools, students and local businesses and organizations can partner through Career Technical Educa-tion to provide enhanced career opportunities for Montana students and thereby solve Montana’s work-force shortages.


BENEFIS HEALTH SYSTEMAnother example that can be replicated Another WorkForceMT Great Falls example that can be duplicated: Benefis Health System in Great Falls has a good relationship with local high schools and Medical Prep programs. These initiatives are geared toward students seeking four-year or more formal programs for advanced healthcare careers. For students not planning on attending colleges or universities, there are a variety of programs available, all through job shadowing opportunities

There are certainly areas where certification classes could expand as well as live instruction and comput-er-based modules for specific competencies and skills: Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technicians, Patient Service Representatives, Patient Billing Services, Pharmacy Assistants, and Food Service. In addition, options for career fairs and mock interviews are available.

CNA training program Spectrum - 45.5 hours classroom, 35 hours of clinical time. In 2019 162 students took part in the program, and 25 scholarships were provided by Benefis and 12 through Helplink.

Home Health Aide – 16-hour course which allows for certification for Home Health and Hospice CNA.

Medication Aide – 100-hour program, geared towards senior services.

CMA program – 10-month class, Benefis offered a full scholarship and clinical experience for ten

20 Lechner Goe, C. J.D. (2019). 2019 Report on Health Coverage and Montana’s Uninsured. Montana Healthcare Foundation. http://reinsur-ance.mt.gov/Portals/212/2019-MT-Uninsured-Rate-Report_6_3_19-FINAL.pdf21 Legislative Budget Analysis 2021 Biennium. Montana Legislature. https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/interim/-Dec-2018/Volume1-Preliminary.pdf

CONCLUSION We Want to Hear From You

Tim Fox is committed to bridging the gap between industry and business needs and student careers. Lieutenant Governor Jon Knokey will co-lead this initiative.

Jon Knokey is a proven business leader. After graduating from the MSU College of Business, Jon Knokey started as a cold call sales representative before becoming Vice President for a small start-up software company in Bozeman. The business quickly grew to over 2,000 customers that included many Fortune 500 companies. Jon then went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Dartmouth College.

At Harvard University, Jon studied innovation and economic growth. Jon was recruited to serve as Graduate Assistant for Ronald Reagan’s Director of Economic Policy, teaching a course analyzing fiscal policy throughout America’s history, including tax reduction policies that stimulate financial growth. At the age of 35, Jon was tapped to manage the entire Corporate Strategy for John Deere, including the strategic deployment of resources and capital for the nearly $40 billion in company revenue with operations throughout 120 countries encompassing over 70k employees. While at Deere, Jon worked specifically on the Conrad Trades Academy and knows firsthand what business and industry leaders need to work with local school districts.

The Montana United conversation is just the beginning steps towards a safer, more prosperous future. The policies and positions are a starting point for Montanans to submit constructive comments and ideas for the Fox/Knokey administration to consider. Any programs, policies or positions in the Fox/Knokey administration will be the product of the ideas, comments and thoughtful criticism of engaged Montanans who participate in a civil discourse for the betterment of the state of Montana. The Fox/Knokey Team welcomes your comments and ideas which can be submitted at FoxForGovernor.com/Strategy. Thank you in advance for your participation and together we will strive to become a United Montana. Our best days are still ahead.

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FoxForGovernor.com
