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Dear GI Bill® Beneficiary,
Did you know that you may be eligible to use your GI Bill benefits to learn a trade or skill through an on-the-job training (OJT) or apprenticeship program?
Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with a steady paycheck, making it an ideal solution for many, especially those transitioning from service to civilian life.
You can use your GI Bill benefits to train in industries such as construction, law enforcement, transportation, education, healthcare, IT, cybersecurity, and more.
Who’s covered?
- Veterans
- Reservists
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program beneficiaries
- Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholar) beneficiaries
- Dependents using transferred benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Please note that you can’t get on-the-job training if you’re an active-duty service member or the spouse of an active-duty service member using transferred benefits.
Benefits of pursuing OJT or Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide a unique earn-and-learn pathway to develop in-demand workplace and technical skills while earning a paycheck from day one.
There are many benefits to participating in an apprenticeship:
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Earn While You Learn: Get paid while learning a new skill that is outside one’s military occupation.
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Mentorship: Work alongside a mentor in a structured environment.
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Nationally Recognized Credentials: Earn credentials and college credits.
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No Student Debt: Provides a career pathway without accumulating college debt.
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Structured Training: Provides a direct pathway to civilian jobs in construction, IT, healthcare and manufacturing.
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Career Advancement: OJT provides opportunities to enter high-demand fields and often leads to higher wages upon completing the program.
Monthly benefits payments depend on which GI Bill program you are using.
If you are using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholar benefits, you may be able to also receive a monthly housing allowance.
Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week April 26-May 2!
America at Work: Making America Skilled Again Through Registered Apprenticeship - National Apprenticeship Week is an annual nationwide celebration for employers, educators, state agencies, unions, and many others to showcase how Registered Apprenticeship improves and expands career pathways for American workers, while helping employers drive economic growth across all industries. Since its inception in 2015, more than 2 million people participated in more than 10,000 National Apprenticeship Week events, and over 3,250 proclamations have been issued in support of Registered Apprenticeship.
Learn more about on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs:
Using GI Bill for OJT and apprenticeship – watch this webinar hosted by VA to learn about OJT and apprenticeship programs and how to use your GI Bill.
Find approved programs – use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find programs approved for GI Bill.
Apprenticeship USA – a one-stop source connecting career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources.
Department of War SkillsBridge Program – provides an opportunity for service members to gain valuable experience apprenticeships, as well as internships and specific industry training, during their last 180 days of military service.
Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service – focused on preparing service members, Veterans, and military spouses for meaningful careers.
Respectfully,
Education Service
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