What: Free webinar on AI readiness in the workforce, co-hosted by Craton Consulting, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the Montana Jobs Network
When: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10th
Where: Online via Zoom (link will be emailed to all registered participants)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
What does it mean to be “AI-ready” in 2025—and are students, faculty, and employers preparing for the new expectations of the workplace?
Join Craton Consulting, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the Montana Jobs Network for a dynamic conversation on how AI is shaping education and careers.
Tom Stergios, a technologist with 30+ years of experience, will open with a 20-minute talk on:
Demystifying AI - What AI is (and isn’t)
Thinking with AI - How to approach AI as an individual, team, or institution
UM’s AI Future - How the University of Montana is advancing AI learning through the Future Initiative and responding to national and state policy
After Tom’s remarks, we’ll hear directly from UM students and faculty on how they are using AI in classrooms and work-based learning. The session will conclude with a facilitated Q&A and resources for participants interested in AI-enabled education.
This free webinar offers insights, use cases, and timely perspectives on the evolving workforce landscape.
You’ll learn:
How UM students are applying AI in classrooms and careers
What employers wish new grads understood about AI
Key trends from the Future Project survey on hiring practices
What’s next for Montana’s AI talent pipeline
Perfect for:
Students & new grads
Employers hiring early-career talent
Faculty & career counselors
Tech and business leaders shaping workforce strategy
For questions, contact MHTBA Communications Coordinator Melissa Paulsen at melissa.paulsen[at]mthightech.org.
Guest Speaker:
Tom Stergios, Founder, Craton Consulting
Tom Stergios is a longtime leader in Montana’s tech sector. He previously built the Missoula Solution Center at ATG, growing it to 200 consultants serving 150+ clients worldwide before its acquisition by Cognizant in 2018. In partnership with UM, AccelerateMT, and the Montana Department of Commerce, he co-led the award-winning Aim Higher program, creating more than 200 tech jobs in Montana for people from non-traditional backgrounds. A longtime board member of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, Tom is passionate about AI innovation, workforce development, and expanding opportunities for Montanans.