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ABOUT US

OUR MISSION:

Central Montana Works! brings people together, leveraging networks and relationships to overcome barriers and meet regional talent demands.

Central Montana Works (CMW) is a business and industry-led 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to building a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable workforce development process for our region. We operate as a grassroots alliance of businesses, educators, and community leaders collaborating to ensure a thriving economic future for Central Montana.

CMW was founded on the belief that innovative partnerships are essential to attract and develop talent, and improve workforce participation. We leverage networks to bring people together, bridging the gap between employers seeking skilled workers, and Montanans looking for quality employment opportunities.

OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH

CMW is focused on three strategic outcomes and one signature event, the annual WOW (World of Works) hands-on career expo for middle and high school students.

  • Educating and training a viable workforce. 
  • Identifying and reducing current workforce barriers.
  • Close workforce gaps by continuous engagement with community and industry by community engagement of key business/industry, community leaders and education/training partners.

WHO WE ARE

  • A business-led 501(c)(3) workforce development organization
  • Founded by regional industry leaders to address talent shortages
  • Diverse board representing construction, healthcare, education, defense, & government
  • Partnership-focused, collaborative approach to workforce development
  • Committed to long-term economic mobility for all Montanans

We are a coalition of stakeholders committed to strengthening Central Montana’s economy through workforce innovation. Our diverse leadership includes representatives from:

  • Industries: Manufacturing, construction, healthcare, defense, finance, and hospitality sectors face critical workforce shortages and drive our initiatives.
  • Educational Institutions: Great Falls College MSU, University of Providence, and Great Falls Public Schools collaborate to align education with employment needs.
  • Economic Development: The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Great Falls Development Alliance, and the City of Great Falls provide essential community connections.
  • Government Partners: The Montana Department of Labor & Industry offers expertise and resources to support our workforce initiatives.
  • Community Organizations: United Way of Cascade County and other community groups help us address barriers to employment.

Our board consists of volunteer leaders from organizations including ADF International, Boeing, Bravera Bank, Cushing Terrell, Dick Anderson Construction, Central Plumbing, Heating & Excavation, Great Falls Hospital Clinic, Northrop Grumman, and Omni Marketing.

WHAT WE DO

  • Strategic Workforce Planning through leadership, funding, education & outreach
  • Connect schools directly with local employers
  • Find solutions to overcome employment barriers and cultivate skilled talent in Central Montana.
  • Develop school-based and apprenticeship training programs for in-demand jobs
  • Host the annual Worlds of Work career expo for middle and high school students

Central Montana Works tackles workforce challenges through focused strategies that benefit both employers and job seekers:

  • We Connect Students with Career Opportunities Our signature Worlds of Work (WOW) Career Expo brings together over 2,000 8th and 10th-grade students with more than 70 employers for hands-on career exploration. This immersive experience showcases competitive careers available in Montana, helping to build a pipeline of future workers while addressing critical industry needs.
  • We Develop Targeted Training Programs We identify specific workforce gaps and facilitate training solutions:
    • CDL Training at Great Falls College
    • Structural Welding Training certification programs
  • We Address Employment Barriers Through strategic partnerships, we work to reduce obstacles to workforce participation:
    • Community Early Education Center development
    • Educator Workforce Academy
    • Transportation and housing initiatives
  • We Facilitate Industry-Education Alignment We serve as the bridge between employers and educational institutions:
    • Adopt-A-School program
    • Work-based Learning Collaborative
    • Talent Pipeline Management
  • We Analyze Workforce Needs and Develop Solutions Our systematic approach includes:
    • Monthly leadership meetings to assess regional workforce challenges
    • Data-driven decision making about program development
    • Continuous engagement with employers to understand evolving needs

OUR IMPACT

Our efforts are helping businesses find qualified employees while creating pathways to meaningful careers and a stronger economic future for Montanans.

Central Montana Works tackles workforce challenges through focused strategies that benefit both employers and job seekers:

  • Established direct partnerships between schools and businesses
  • Connected students with career opportunities through hands-on education experiences
  • Reduced barriers to employment through collaborative initiatives
  • Developed targeted training programs that meet industry needs
  • The regionally recognized Worlds of Work career expo (WOW) reaches 2,000+ students annually