On-the-Job & Apprenticeship Training

This program assists veterans and their dependents by allowing them to learn a trade or skill through participation in apprenticeship or on-the-job training rather than by attending classes.

One generally enters into a training contract for a specific period of time with an employer or union and at the end of the training period has gained job certification or journeyman status.  In most instances one receives a salary from their employer or union while participating in training.  As one progresses through training, their skill level increases and so does their salary. GI Bill payments are issued monthly after we receive certification of hours worked from the employer.

This type of training is not available to active duty servicepersons or spouses utilizing transferred entitlement.

What Type of Training Can you Take?

Examples of this type of training are:

  • Union Plumber
  • Hotel Management
  • Firefighter

You can search for a participating employer by clicking here.

Information for Employers wishing to participate in the Apprenticeship or on-the-Job training programs

Employers wishing to participate in this program should contact their State Approving Agency, which is responsible for approving the programs within their borders, and for determining which programs are appropriate for veterans to enroll in and utilize their VA educational benefits. Click here for State Approving Agency contact information.

Payment Amounts

While the participation requirements are the same for all GI Bill programs, the payment amount varies depending on the program you are utilizing.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Recipients

The payment rate will be as follows:

  1. You will receive 100% of your applicable MHA during the first 6 months of training
  2. 80% of your applicable MHA during the second 6 months of training
  3. 60% of your applicable MHA during the third 6 months of training
  4. 40% of your applicable MHA during the fourth 6 months of training
  5. 20% of your applicable MHA during the remainder of the training

Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients will also receive up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

All other GI Bill programs

For all other GI Bill programs VA will issue payments at the following rate:

  1. 75% of the full-time GI Bill rate for the first 6 months of training
  2. 55% of the full-time GI Bill rate for the second 6 months of training
  3. 35% of the full-time GI Bill rate for the remainder of the training program

To see the payment rates for your GI Bill program click here.