Montana State Workforce Innovation Board

SWIB Overview

Purpose of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 establishes that the purpose of subtitle A and B of title I, to provide workforce investment activities, through statewide and local workforce and talent development systems, that increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and increase attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials by participants, and as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, increase economic self-sufficiency, meet the skill requirements of employers, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation.

Montana’s Stated Purposes
- Create policy recommendations for the Governor related to the establishment and maintenance of an efficient, integrated, statewide workforce development system to train the maximum number of unemployed and underemployed Montanans as possible;
- To lead the strategic planning process for an integrated workforce development system, in consultation with Community Management Teams;
- To create performance standards which identify effective workforce development initiatives;
- To coordinate the state’s workforce investment initiatives with the state’s economic development plan;
- Promote a system of workforce development that responds to the lifelong learning needs of Montana’s workforce;
- Encourage public/private partnerships and facilitate innovations in workforce development policy and practices; and
- Ensure a quality workforce system by evaluating results and supporting high standards and continuous improvement.