Non-traditional Education Tracks in Tech

Explore the content and resources below featuring stories of Montanans leveraging non-traditional training opportunities in the state’s high-paying tech industry.

Content & Resources

  • Article: 31 Hot Montana Jobs for 2023

    To identify in-demand roles in Montana, our team pored over workforce data, research studies, and online job listings to create a list of tech jobs projected to grow fast in the next few years.

  • Montana Opportunities in Film webinar hosted by the Montana High Tech Business Alliance and the Media Training Center

    Webinar: Montana Opportunities in Film

    Learn how to get started in Montana’s film industry and meet a diverse group of Montanans who have built successful careers and businesses working in media and film. Recorded Dec. 8, 2022.

  • Gov. Gianforte meets with Job Site Ready trainees and Jackson Contractor Group employees

    Article: Montana’s New Tech Careers Rapid Training Hub Will Expand Access to High-Paying Tech Jobs

    Accelerate MT’s Tech Careers Rapid Training Hub is a one-stop access point for training that leads to tech industry credentials and careers in Montana.

Montana's tech sector needs workers with varying types of education and interests. Rapid training hubs are providing Montanans with fast, flexible, and affordable training for skills needed to gain entry to good-paying Montana tech jobs without having a four-year degree.

Additional Resources

  • Accelerate Montana supports career and economic development across Montana through partnerships and targeted, relevant workforce training and skills development. The organizations that comprise Accelerate Montana serve all stages of business, from startups to established businesses, and link to opportunities both within Montana and outside U.S. borders. Collectively, Accelerate Montana organizations reach approximately 700 business and entrepreneurs each year, helping to bring tens of millions of dollars in investment capital, grant, and contracts to Montana. 

  • The Media Training Center provides in-person and online rapid training courses to teach you the critical skills and experience needed to launch a career in Montana's burgeoning film and music industry. Open to the public, courses will be offered over the weekends across Montana and online. Scholarships are available and no prior media experience is required. 

  • The Lifelong Learning Center is the Adult Education Division at Missoula County Public Schools, providing high-quality professional development and community classes year-round. The center also offers customized contract training for businesses and affordable room rentals. Popular courses include introductory classes in Microsoft Office applications, QuickBooks, and specialized training in HR and management.

  • The Montana Code School offers flexible, part-time 18-week boot camps in front-end and back-end software development for Montanans interested in coding. Learn in-demand skills to make you a competitive developer in a rapidly expanding industry. This program is offered through Montana Code School in collaboration with Promineo Tech.

  • The Montana registered apprenticeship training programs are designed to be structured, yet flexible, and meet state, federal, and industry standards. Through collaboration with employer sponsors, the Montana registered apprenticeship program meets real work situations and skill requirements. Apprenticeship Programs are sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups (JATC's) that can hire and train in a real-world working situation.

  • Ed2Go offers a variety of online professional development opportunities, from individual courses to comprehensive certificate programs. Their online courses offer the flexibility and convenience to study whenever and wherever you choose.  Course perks include the following:

    • Insturctor-led by experts in their fields

    • 24-hour access

    • 6 weeks of instructions

    • New sessions begin each month

    • Online discussion boards

    • Certificate of completion to post on your LinkedIn page or hang in your office

Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.