The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Rapid Retraining program was introduced to provide resources for Montana’s citizens who seek employment and self-sufficiency. The program is here to help individuals and businesses who are looking to upskill for the jobs they need and want. With the Rapid Retraining program, employers and employees can receive assistance and resources with training, materials, and wages.

Your local Job Service Montana is your best resource to learn more about the program and to see how you or your business may qualify.

Training Programs

The program is directed at short-term occupational training opportunities such as on-the-job training (OJT) and other targeted training programs that are 6 months or less in duration.

Training may include:

• Occupational skills training, including training for nontraditional employment and for training programs operated by the private sector;
  • Skill upgrading and retraining;
  • Entrepreneurial training;
  • Customized training either individually or in a cohort conducted with a commitment by a business or group of business to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training;
  • On-the-Job Training (OJT);
  • Registered Apprenticeship or other programs that combine workplace training with related instruction.
  • Priority of service should be given to socially disadvantaged individuals (i.e., Native Americans; senior citizens; low-income individuals; individuals with disabilities; veterans; foster youth; and formerly incarcerated individuals).

  The Rapid Retraining program helped people in areas/fields such as:

  Certified Nursing Assistant	Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant
  Medical/Clinical Assistant	Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technician
  Registered Nurse	Ferrier School
  Home Health Aide/Home Attendant	Web Developers - Front End Bootcamp, iOS Development
  Dental Assistants	Veterinary Technician
  Emergency Medical Technician	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
  Phlebotomists	Manicurists and Pedicurists
  Physical Therapist Assistant AAS	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
  Medical Billing and Coding	Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks – Quickbooks training
  Cosmetology/Esthetician	Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
  Commercial Drivers License	Bakers
  Teacher Assistants	Public Relations Specialists - Marketing Certificate program

  Requests for Incentive Rewards

  • Participants, who complete approved training and obtain employment under the ARPA Rapid Retraining program, are eligible to receive an incentive after their hire date and prior to exit from the program; not to exceed $1000.
  • Businesses that hire and retain participants are eligible to receive an incentive; not to exceed $1000.

  Eligibility

  To receive resources under this program, an individual:

  • Must complete and sign the ARPA RR application;
  • Be 18 years old or older;
  • Eligible to work in the U.S.;
  • Meet Selective Service registration requirements (if applicable); and
  • Earned no more than 250% of the Federal Poverty Limits in 2022 ($33,975):
    • As documented by the individual’s most recent, completed tax return. If an individual does not have a recent, completed tax return, self-attestation is acceptable.

    Learn More:

    • Download the Participant Application
    • Read the ARPA Rapid Retraining Program policy
    • To learn more about Montana’s ARPA efforts
    • MontanaWorks
    • Job Service Montana
    • Federal Required Poster
    • Job Service Calendar