Employment and Training

The Employment and Training program provides training and support for individuals looking to enter or re-enter the workforce. We provide an array of services geared toward employability including life skills training, interviewing skills, job seeking skills, money management, career exploration, and many other individualized services.

All individuals seeking assistance with career exploration, completing job applications, interviewing skills and basic educational skills can access these services free of charge. We also have computers available for public use with links to training sites for Microsoft office programs, Windows programs, keyboarding skills, and other occupational skills.

 

Services

Referral and Placement

Our employment specialists, client advocates, and instructors work with clients in referring them to employment and training opportunities that match their interests, skills and education. We partner with various agencies in Havre and the surrounding areas to ensure our clients get the training necessary to meet the needs of employers.

Work Experience

Clients with limited experience, poor work history, or in need of skill building may be eligible for paid work experience opportunities. We strive to find work experiences that meet our clients’ interests. These placements are intended to increase job skills and ensure that clients become more employable. Unpaid work experience, job shadowing, on the job training and other skill building opprotunities may also be available.

Supportive Services

Funding may be available to enrolled clients to ensure their training or education is not interrupted or ended because of financial difficulties. We may provide assistance in training costs including books, fees, uniform, and work clothing as well as emergency costs. Funding is very limited and only available to clients enrolled in the WIOA or Pathways programs.

ccCAREER COUNSELING AND SKILL BUILDING

Individualized career counseling is provided to the public free of charge. This includes building an online portfolio through the Montana Career Information System (MCIS), interest inventories, career exploration, labor market information, and assistance with job search, job applications, resumes, cover letters, and interviewing. Opportunities to build skills are available in our classroom, through workshops, and through work experience opportunities. The classroom offers computers for public use with links to several training sites. Basic skills in reading, writing, and math are also available.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case management is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet the client's employment and training needs. We coordinate services with other agencies in order to provide the best possible opportunities for each client.

High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly known as GED)

The GED test has been replaced with the HiSET test for testers to receive their high school equivalency diploma (HSE) from the state of Montana. For more information or to register for a test date, please visit www.hiset.org

Testing fees

Fees are assessed by the HiSET testing company and by testing centers. HiSET company testing fees must be paid online. Fees paid to HiSET are $75 for a full battery (5 tests) or $15 per subtest for paper-based testing and $53.75 for the full battery (5 tests) or $10.75 per subtest for computer-based testing.

Testing center fees can be paid in cash or money order to HRDC. Fees for HRDC are $25 for the full battery or $5 per subtest attempt.

For specific information and available test dates, please see the following document 2024 Testing Schedule Combined Jan - Apr.  For additional information, please call 406-265-6743 x1101 or email [email protected].

Specific programs

Pathways

Pathways is a program for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and referred by the Office of Public Assistance (OPA). Pathways provides intense case management services to TANF cash assistance participants that focus on employment and training activities leading to self-support. The goals of the Pathways program are to support individuals as they enter or re-enter the job market and to assist them in obtaining the skills necessary to become self-sufficient. For more information about these services in Hill, Blaine, and Liberty Counties, please call 406-265-6743 x1101.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The WIOA programs provide training and other activities and services that result in increased employment and earnings as well as increased educational and occupational skills. Our Youth program serves youth ages 16-24. For more information about WIOA, please call 406-265-6743 x1101 or email [email protected].

ARPA Rapid Retraining

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides resources for Montana’s current, contracted workforce service providers to facilitate and support the short-term training of Montana citizens, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, who seek employment and self-sufficiency. These resources promote and sustain accelerated job training in high-demand, industry sectors.

Service providers and participants should focus on, but are not restricted to, short-term occupational training programs that can be completed in 16 weeks or less in targeted and high-demand industries. For more information about ARPA RR, please call 406-265-6743 x1101 or email [email protected].

Adult Basic Literacy Education

This program provides a means for adults and youth 16 years or older to enhance educational skills with basic literacy, workplace literacy, high school equivalency preparation, and other services that will assist in employment and confidence in one’s self. The focus of the program is on language, reading, writing, and math skills on an individual basis.

The program is administered by The Learning Center at Miles Community College - The Learning Center - Miles Community College (milescc.edu) District 4 HRDC has program applications available and our Classroom space and computers are available for use M - TH 8-5 and F 8-12.

AmericanJobCenter