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

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. 

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