The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Rapid Retraining Program
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.
Find your local Job Service Office
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 |
Incentives
Individuals with a documented commitment from a business to be hired, with the understanding they will successfully complete training via this program, are eligible for a living stipend of $500 per each set of 4 weeks they are in training, not to exceed 12 weeks (or total of $1500):
- 1-4 weeks - $500
- 5-8 weeks - $1000
- 9-12 weeks - $1500
Businesses who commit to hiring an individual under this program are eligible for a $500 incentive when the individual completes training and starts work.
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.
