Using Your GI Bill for Apprenticeship and OJT Training

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Did you know you can use your GI Bill to receive job training in an On-the-Job or Apprenticeship training program? If you are a veteran or currently in the guard or reserve, the GI Bill offers you an alternative way to use your GI Bill benefits. 

VA will pay you GI Bill benefits on a sliding scale depending on how long you are in training. You will also receive a salary from your employer. The VA benefit usually decreases every 6 months and the salary increases every six months. At the end of your training you will be certified in your trade.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Apprenticeship & On-the-Job Training Payments

If you are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will get 100% of the monthly housing allowance for the first six months of training, 80% for the second six months, 60% for the third six months, 40% for the fourth six months, and 20% for the remaining months of training.

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty 

Those using the Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill program can get $1,657.50 a month for the first six months of training, $1,215.50 for the second six months of training and $773.50 for remaining training.

Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve

VA pays GI Bill Selected Reserve participants on a similar scale but at the following reduced rates; $329.25 a month for the first six months of training, $241.45 for the second six months of training and $153.65 for remaining training.

Surviving dependents and spouses and dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans are also eligible to apply for OJT/Apprenticeship benefits.

Qualifying Jobs

To qualify, your job must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be supervised at least 50% of the time.
  • Job training must lead to an entry-level position. (Management training programs do not qualify.)
  • You must be a full-time paid employee - not on commission.
  • Your training must be documented and reported.
  • You cannot have previous experience job experience in that field.
  • You must be recently hired (within one to two years).
  • The job must require at least six months training to become fully trained.
  • The employer may be private, local or state government.

Companies Who Have Participated in OJT or Apprenticeship Programs

Here is a list of well-known companies who have participated in the VA's OJT & Apprenticeship Program in the past:

  • Pirelli Tire Co.
  • Proctor & Gamble Co.
  • Merck Pharmaceuticals
  • Cessna Aircraft
  • Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
  • Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • Bell South
  • Local Union Joint Apprenticeship & Training Commissions (Carpenters, Linemen, Electricians, Pipefitters, Roofers, HVAC, etc.)
  • Pratt and Whitney Engine Co.
  • Law enforcement (police, sheriff, State Patrol)
  • Dept. of Corrections (prisons, detention centers)
  • Local Fire Departments
  • Department of Homeland Security (customs & immigration officers)

Keep Up With Your Education Benefits 

Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.

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