February 2025

Billings Public Schools remains committed to equipping students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. From college preparation opportunities, to hands-on learning experiences, to exciting programs built to inform students of their future options, together we are building a future where all students are empowered to reach their full potential!

Automotive Industry Day

The Billings Public Schools Career team is excited to announce their Automotive Industry Day! Join us on February 27th, where students will get an inside look at the many career opportunities in automotive, diesel, and collision repair right here in Billings!

The day will kick off with a tour of MSUB City College’s Automotive, Diesel, & Collision Repair programs, giving students a firsthand look at the cutting-edge technology and training available. From there, we’ll head out for exclusive company tours of Denny Menholt and Tri-State Truck & Equipment, where students will see real-world automotive and diesel mechanic careers in action.

We will also provide students with a networking lunch, where they will have the chance to connect with industry professionals, ask questions, and learn from those leading the way in Billings’ automotive industry.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students who want to explore careers in the trades, gain valuable insights, and start building connections for their future.

Space is limited—sign up today!

Future Ready Career Fair

April 8th, 2025

Billings Public Schools is excited to host the Future Ready Career Fair on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the MetraPark Montana Pavilion from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event is a valuable opportunity for local businesses and organizations to connect with graduating 12th graders who are eager to explore career and job opportunities right here in our community.

Why Participate?

The Future Ready Career Fair is designed to help students take the next step in their career journeys by introducing them to job openings, apprenticeships, and career pathways in a variety of industries. Businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their workplaces, discuss career options, and connect with potential future employees.

This year, we are hosting three separate sessions—one for each high school (Skyview, Senior, and West), ensuring meaningful engagement between students and vendors.

For more information, please reach out to Bo Bruinsma at (406) 281-5075 or

bruinsmab@billingsschools.org

Vendor Registration – Secure Your Spot!

This event is free for vendors, but space is limited to 115 exhibitors, so we encourage early registration. To register your business or organization, click the link below, select the plus sign to add a ticket, and then click “Continue” to complete the registration form.

Why Should Your Student Attend?

The Future Ready Career Fair is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity for students to actively explore their future and take the next step in their career journey. Here’s what your 12th grader can look forward to:

Explore Career Options – Whether they’re heading straight into the workforce, considering an apprenticeship, or exploring different industries, this fair gives students a first-hand look at the opportunities available in Billings and beyond.

Connect with Employers – Students can engage in face-to-face conversations with hiring managers, ask questions about career paths, and even discover job openings they may not have considered.

Gain Real-World Insights – Speaking with professionals helps students understand what skills, training, or education they may need to pursue their ideal career.

Find Immediate Job & Training Opportunities – Many businesses at the fair are actively hiring or offering internships and apprenticeships, making this a great chance for students to secure post-graduation employment. Encourage your soon-to-be graduating 12th grader to attend and take advantage of this unique career exploration experience!

Businesses: Register for the 2025 Future Ready Career Fair

March Industry Day: Engineering Day

Engineering Career Day is an exciting opportunity for junior and senior students to explore the vast world of engineering. This event is designed to:

Inspire students by igniting a passion for engineering and innovation.
Provide insight into the many engineering disciplines and career paths.
Equip students with knowledge and experiences to help shape their educational and professional goals.
Encourage networking by fostering connections with industry professionals.

This industry day aims to empower students to envision their future in engineering while providing them with the tools and motivation to pursue their aspirations. Here's what to expect:

Behind-the-Scenes Tours of Local Engineering Firms

Students will have the unique opportunity to visit leading engineering firms in Billings, gaining an exclusive look at real-world engineering in action. From design to execution, these tours will showcase the innovative work happening in the field.

Conversations with Industry Experts

Students will engage directly with seasoned professionals who have built successful engineering careers. These experts will share their journeys, challenges, and achievements, offering valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in the industry.

Networking & Career Pathway Exploration

To wrap up the day, students will take part in a networking lunch, connecting with professionals and peers. They’ll also learn about the various engineering pathways available, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.

Reach out to your Career Coach for more information!

Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program

Is your student looking for work experience? Career exploration? A chance to gain employability skills and earn money at the same time? Check out this great opportunity! We are excited to announce that student applications for the Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program 2025 are now open! As part of Big Sky Economic Development’s workforce development program, the YCSJP is led by BillingsWorks and supported by a local sub-committee of partners made up of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Billings Public Schools, and joining us this year is the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. With three successful program years behind us, we are looking forward to another rewarding year for our local employers and students!

The Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program (YCSJP) matches participants with a paid work experience, provides paid foundational work skills training, and connects students with an adult mentor for the summer. YCSJP participants are high school students and recent graduates eager to develop their work skills and explore their career options. Through the program, students gain skills, experience, and professional networks that prepare them for success in future endeavors. The work skills our students learn, and practice serve them well both in and out of the workforce. At the same time, the program grows the workforce pipeline and strengthens the local economy by connecting motivated youth to local employers. The students are eager to learn and bring talent and fresh energy to the workplace. This opportunity will be discussed further with your students at lunch and learns or your student can reach out to their Career Coach to learn more. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for professional growth!

The student application form can be found here:

YCSJP Student Application | SmartSuite

Please reach out to Shaye at shaye@bigskyeda.org should you have any questions.

Student Spotlight

Jaxon Taylor – Building a Future in the Trades

From the classroom to the construction site, Jaxon Taylor has turned his passion for hands-on work into a promising career. Now an apprentice with Langlas & Associates, a general contracting firm, Jaxon is gaining real-world experience in framing, drywall, demolition, and more.

His journey began at Skyview High School, where he explored the world of skilled trades through tech education classes. “I started with wood shop and worked my way up to Construction Trades 2, which pushed me into the trades,” Jaxon shared. With the classes he was able to take early on in high school, Jaxson leveraged those experiences to jump straight into an apprenticeship as a senior to gain real-world, paid, on-the-job experience.

Jaxon’s passion for fixing and building started long before high school. “Growing up, I was always the first to say, ‘I’ll fix it.’ That hands-on experience prepared me for a career in the trades. When the opportunity came up, I didn’t want to miss out.” His hard work is paying off, as he is on track to transition into full-time employment upon graduation.

Reflecting on the opportunities available to him in Billings Public Schools, Jaxon emphasizes that it wasn’t just the courses that made a difference—it was the people. “It’s truly about the support from everyone around me—from my tech ed teachers to my career coach, my mom, and everyone at Langlas who made this experience possible.”

Jaxon’s story is a testament to the power of career-focused education and the impact of hands-on learning. His drive and determination set a great example for students considering a future in the skilled trades.

Spring Upcoming Future Ready Events

Career Center:

March 28: Montana Registered Apprenticeship Employer Presentation/Apprenticeship Fair

West High School:

February 19th - Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program

March 19th - Rocky Mountain College Aviation Program

April 16th - Billings Clinic

Senior High School:

March 12th: Billings Clinic Lunch and Learn

April 23rd: Lunch and Learn (presenter TBD)

May 14th: Wildland Firefighter: Beartooth Ranger District

Skyview High School

February 12th: Lunch and Learn: Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program

March 19th: Lunch and Learn (Presenter TBD)

April 16th: Lunch and Learn (Presenter TBD)

District Wide Events:

February 27: Automotive Industry Day

March 21: Engineering Industry Day

April 8: Future Ready Career Fair

May 1: Public Safety Industry Day