Great Falls, MT, Students Jump-Start Careers With CTE Programs in High-Demand Fields

RION SANDERS/GREAT FALLS COLLEGE MSU

For many students in Great Falls, the path to a promising local career begins with the Great Falls Public Schools career and technical education (CTE) programs. Through CTE, students can gain hands-on experience, earn certifications and build a foundation for success in such high-demand areas as health care, industrial technology and business/computer science.

Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) actively works through nationally recognized career and technical education pathways to provide rigorous, high-interest workforce experiences. In addition to coursework, the pathways include opportunities for job shadows and internships, says Becky Nelson, community connections manager for GFPS. 

“When and where possible, dual credit and stackable credential opportunities are provided to students to help them begin their workforce development journey as early as possible,” Nelson says.

A Healthy Start

Health care is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Montana. The health science program at GFPS prepares students to enter this critical field with foundational knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy and patient care. 

Students can earn certifications, such as certified nursing assistant (CNA), that qualify them for health care roles immediately after high school. The district partners with the Continuing Education & Training division at Great Falls College Montana State University to provide training.

“We hold classes monthly and offer both in-person and hybrid options along with offering classes at the high school each semester. We invite local businesses to every class to recruit students, and we have an exemplary pass rate for state licensure. Over 400 students have enrolled in the CNA program and over 25 businesses in our region have benefitted by employing these students,” Nelson says.

One such business taking advantage of this workforce pipeline is Benefis Health System, which offers students internship opportunities and has become the second-largest recruiter of program graduates.

“We have an excellent opportunity to introduce students to Benefis with guest speakers, job shadowing and internships. Benefis also has a strong relationship with HOSA, the international student organization. They often hire students based on interactions they see during high school class observations,” says Mark Yaeger, CTE/Career Pathway adviser for GFPS.

RION SANDERS/GREAT FALLS COLLEGE MSU

Building on Success

Industrial technology is yet another high-demand field in the Great Falls region. The GFPS industrial technology program provides students with hands-on training in areas including welding, pre-construction, woodworking and drafting. The program also collaborates with local employers to offer internships and work-based learning that can transition into full-time roles after graduation.

GFPS partners with Great Falls College to offer dual college credit and the chance to earn industry certifications, which John Stewart, woodshop instructor in C.M. Russell High School’s Industrial Technology Department, says can result in students being hired locally right out of high school.

“Over the years, we’ve had many students leave our programs and forgo college to go right into the workforce and/or military. Some have gone on to work for Sletten Construction, Talcott, ADF, Anderson Steel, BNSF and many others,” Stewart says. 

Better Business Acumen

With technology becoming integral to nearly every industry, GFPS’ business and computer science program is a gateway for students looking to build digital and business skills valued by employers. The curriculum covers topics like accounting, business law and marketing.

Graduates of the business and computer science pathway can pursue entry-level positions in business administration, IT support or digital marketing, or further their education in college.

“The Career & College Readiness Center plays a key role in developing our current and future workforce by collaborating with our education and training partners, various business sectors, and multiple service organizations,” Nelson says. “It’s through these joint efforts, we are able to create multiple pathway opportunities.”