Registered Apprenticeship & on-the-job-training Programs

What Is It?

A combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and related classroom instruction provided under the supervision of a trade professional, journeyman-level, or craftsman in which workers learn practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation.

How Do I Qualify?

-Apprenticeship training programs require a minimum of 2,000 hours of OJT per year, supplemented by a minimum of 144 hours related classroom instruction

-Instruction may be given in a classroom, through correspondence courses, self-study, or other means of approved instruction

What Do I Get?

-As an apprentice, you will receive training, education and wages from your employer

-If you qualify for a GI Bill® program, you can also collect a monthly benefit payment in addition to your regular full-time wages for the duration of the apprentice training period. The amount of the GI Bill entitlement depends on your GI Bill eligibility

-Total GI Bill benefits SMs can receive range from $10-50K over a five-year period

How To Apply:

-Step 1: Find an “Apprenticeable” occupation at: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-industries

-Step 2: Find an employer who sponsors a Registered Apprentice (RA) training program at: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/partner-finder

-Step 3: Search for an RA program approved for GI Bill use at: https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool

-Step 4: Find an RA job vacancy at: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-finder

Links

-Apply for benefits: benefits.va.gov/benefits

-Learn more about the GI Bill: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

-Determine if other organizations/employers are “Approved for the GI Bill:”

inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

(Note: Click the dropdown box next to ‘Program Type’ and select ‘On-The-Job-Training/+Apprenticeship.’

Search by state or employer name.)

-Find employers who have met criteria for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award: www.hirevets.gov/awardees

-Find an apprenticeship opportunity near you: www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-finder

-Find apprenticeship resources for service members

and veterans: www.apprenticeship.gov/service-members-and-veterans

-Learn how your military skills translate to civilian careers: www.mynextmove.org/vets

-Find general employment resources for veterans and transitioning service members:

www.careeronestop.org/Veterans/

-Find general employment resources for veterans: www.dol.gov/agencies/vets

- Find apprenticeships based on your current occupation to make the most out of your military experience https://usmap.osd.mil/index.htm

- Learn how to find the right federal job and apply https://www.usajobs.gov/

- Many industry partners with opportunities in a variety of fields offer real-world training and work experience in high-demand fields for service members who have 180 days or fewer of service remaining prior to their date of military discharge https://skillbridge.osd.mil/