The Montana Council on Vocational Education was created in 1985 by Executive Order No. 3-85 to comply with the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-524). The purpose was to analyze and evaluate the vocational education program delivery system assisted under the Perkins Act and under the Job Training Partnership Act, and to report to and advice the Governor, State Board of Regents of Higher Education, Department of Education, business community and general public as to how well the state’s needs for vocational education are being met.

The 50th Legislature designated the State board of Regents of Higher Education as the agency to serve as the sole state agent for vocational education. Under federal guidelines, the council worked with the board on the development of the State Plan for Vocational Education, technical committees, evaluation criteria, adult training and retraining programs, and industry-education partnerships. The council conducted evaluations of vocational education programs, reviewed articulation among various education and training programs, and participated in state planning for vocational education.

The administrative staff conducted research, prepared reports, planned council meetings, and travel, managed council fiscal activity, maintained all council records, supervised the accomplishment of council goals and mandates, and represented the council when directed to by council members.