GI Bill on the job training benefits

On-The-Job Training & Apprenticeship

By Martin Ventura

Earn While You Learn [1]

Gaining experience while earning an income is a key component of the military. The Veterans Administration (VA) recognizes this and has extended its education benefits program to incorporate this facet of learning. Veterans and their dependents now have the opportunity to continue their education and gain work experience through the On-The-Job & Apprenticeship Training program.

On-the-job training and apprenticeships offer benefits not found in traditional classroom settings:

Learn in a real-world setting from experienced employers.
Participate in programs that range from 6 months to 2 years.
Receive certification or journeyman status upon completion.

On-the-job training and apprenticeships provide the freedoms to learn with the security of earning a salary:

Salary is paid directly by the employer or union.
Salary increases as skill level increases.
GI Bill payments supplement salary income.

Choose from a list of employers in industries such as:

Air traffic control
Law enforcement
Plumbing
Electrical
Construction
Fire fighting

A complete list of participating employers in your area can be found by using the Weams Institution Search.

Employers Gain

On-the-job training and apprenticeships allow employers and students to work towards a common goal.

Employers benefit by having:

An ever growing pool of proven employees to recruit from.
Loyal employees due to federally supplemented incomes.
Security from forecasted terms of commitment under program requirements.
Dedicated training, which maximizes efficiency of learning and productivity.

Employers wanting to participate in the program may do so by contacting their State Approving Agency.

Apply

Applying for the program can be done using the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP). The process is simple by following the VA prescribed “Road Map for Success.”

Step 1: Determine the best benefit for you to use

Step 2: Collect the required paperwork and information

Step 3: Choose a school by searching for participating schools in your area

Step 4: Compare the programs to

Step 5: Apply online using VONAPP

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[1] United States Department of Veterans Affairs, “On-The-Job & Apprenticeship Training.” 11 Dec. 2011 <http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/education_resources/programs/on_the_job_apprenticeship_training.html>

<http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do>

<http://www.nasaa-vetseducation.com/contacts/default.aspx>

<http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application/>

<http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits_resources/benefit_comparison_tools.html>

<http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/education_resources/choosing_a_school.html>