Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Governor Greg Gianforte joined the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by highlighting a success story from Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. The governor praised Tray Lichtenberg, an apprentice working towards becoming an electrician.
“Tray Lichtenberg is a shining example of what’s possible when you set your mind to something, and he’s now on his way to becoming an electrician,” Gov. Gianforte stated. He also acknowledged the role of employers like All Electric, LLC in supporting such achievements.
Lichtenberg began his journey in August 2020 with DPHHS Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which aids students with disabilities aged 14-21 in transitioning from school to employment or further education. Pre-ETS collaborated with Aaron Luper of All Electric, LLC to provide Lichtenberg with a work-based learning experience.
Now fully enrolled as an apprentice in Montana's Registered Apprenticeship program, Lichtenberg expressed gratitude for the support received from state programs and All Electric. “It’s my dream to one day become an electrician, and I’m getting closer to achieving that goal every day,” he said.
Aaron Luper commended Lichtenberg's dedication: “I’m so proud of Tray for his commitment to his chosen career path. He is one determined individual, and an inspiration to all those who know him.” He encouraged other businesses to explore state programs connecting individuals with disabilities to job opportunities.
Janene Lichtenberg, Tray's mother, shared her appreciation for the Pre-ETS program and All Electric's mentorship: “There was a time when we just weren’t sure what the future had in store for Tray in terms of entering the workforce.”
The Pre-ETS program serves 1,500 students annually in Montana. Since January 1, over 700 new apprentices and 60 new employer sponsors have joined Montana's apprenticeship program following rule changes supported by Governor Gianforte. These changes have expanded access to apprenticeships and enhanced Montana's competitiveness.
For more information about the Pre-ETS program or Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, visit apprenticeship.mt.gov.
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