Council approves student work-based learning hire, funds $5,000 pilot

The Deer Lodge City Council voted to approve a pilot work-based learning hire intended to introduce a student to skilled trades and give the city a pipeline for future labor needs.

Trent, who described the program to the council, said the pilot would allow students to report to the shop for roughly three hours each morning, receive classroom credit and work through the remainder of the school day. "What it is is it is a program that get[s] the younger generation more involved with the trades," he said. The pilot will pay the student $16 per hour; the council approved funding of about $5,000 through the end of May to cover the position.

Why it matters: Council members said the program could help fill a local workforce gap in trades and let the city evaluate hiring options before creating another full-time position. Trent told the council the finance committee recommended the pilot and noted the fiscal year already includes funding for two additional employees; the pilot would test whether a second full-time hire is necessary or whether temporary summer workers could suffice.

Council procedure and next steps: After a motion and second to hire at $16 an hour, the council approved the hire by roll call (six ayes, no nays). Staff were directed to complete onboarding steps — including submission of a Social Security card and driver’s license — and to coordinate payroll and start dates. Trent said he expects to have one position filled by early to mid‑March and to continue weighing summer staffing options.

The council did not amend the pilot funding at the meeting and did not set a separate deadline beyond the end‑of‑May funding window.