Why Hire a Veteran for Your Apprenticeship Program?
Employers have seen higher retention rates from veterans and report that their veteran employees demonstrate proven leadership, an ability to work well under pressure, and a strong work ethic – all valuable skills in an apprentice. As you look for a reliable talent pool, consider how your Registered Apprenticeship Program can attract veterans by getting approved to accept GI Bill® benefits and becoming a veteran-ready organization.
There are a variety of ways that you can connect your apprenticeship program with transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses. Find resources on how you can tap into a skilled and ready workforce to build your team.
Featured Story: GI Bill Approved Registered Apprenticeships Offer Clear Pathway to Civilian Careers
Despite the wealth of skills veterans bring from their military service, many are not aware of the life-changing opportunities Registered Apprenticeships offer by providing a clear path to civilian careers with hands-on training and family sustaining wages.
Jonathan Smith, a military veteran, served as the Federal Programs Apprenticeship Coordinator for Adaptive Construction Solutions, Inc., a company dedicated to empowering veterans and others living in underserved communities. Having personally experienced the transition from military to civilian life, Smith’s role is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to provide others with the same support that helped him find stability outside of the military.
Advantages of the GI Bill for Veterans
“There's a lot of advantages to being a transitioning veteran entering a Registered Apprenticeship Program,” Smith said. “Veterans may come from various military occupational specialties; apprenticeships provide them with the hands-on training necessary to transition into high-paying careers. Someone who's interested in construction when they get into the military, but they didn't get that occupational experience. Apprenticeship gives them that.”
Under his leadership, the GI Bill approved Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Program at Adaptive Construction Solutions helps veterans develop the skills necessary to secure sustainable careers in construction, addressing both workforce shortages and the unique needs of former service members.
“The biggest benefit or resource available, in my opinion for a veteran apprentice, is the GI Bill opportunity,” Smith said. He shared there's a pressing need to continue to raise awareness about apprenticeships within the military community, particularly as many veterans may not desire to apply their GI Bill to pursue a traditional college education. He advocated for better communication about available resources when exiting from military services, including the usage of the GI Bill, which can support veterans during their transition and be applied to a college tuition or an apprenticeship program.
“I think there needs to be a concerted effort to get the word apprenticeship within the criteria for whenever a military individual gets out,” Smith shared. RA can either complement college or stand alone as a career path and opens up more flexible options for veterans to use the GI Bill in a way that aligns with their career goals and personal preferences. The construction industry, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from the infusion of talent and dedication that veterans bring.
These insights underscore an opportunity not only for veterans but also for industries facing skilled labor shortages. By focusing on RA Programs, companies can harness the potential of transitioning service members, allowing them to apply their military experience in practical settings while gaining valuable skills that meet the demands of the workforce.
Expanding Awareness of GI Bill and Registered Apprenticeship
The Department of Labor’s Veteran Employment and Training Service has redesigned their Transition Assistance Program curriculum over the years to better highlight Registered Apprenticeship opportunities as part of the mandatory training that all active-duty service members receive when they transition out of the military. Increasing awareness about RA Programs can foster a cultural shift within the military community, encouraging veterans to explore these career pathways as viable alternatives to traditional education.
Smith’s passion for the cause reflects a broader movement aimed at reshaping perceptions around technical education and skilled trades. As veterans realize the advantages of RA Programs, they can forge paths to fulfilling careers that support their families and contribute to their communities.
It’s time for employers, veteran serving organizations, industry associations, community colleges, local workforce development boards, and other industry partners to champion these opportunities, giving veterans the support they need to succeed in their post-military journeys. The community support for both the veteran entering apprenticeship, their mentors, and employers greatly enhances the success of the career path and addressing workforce needs.
Why Become Approved for the GI Bill Benefits?
Companies that want to hire veterans can provide an added incentive to attract skilled veterans. By becoming “Approved for GI Bill”, Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors can assist their current and future veteran apprentices with the benefits they’ve earned. Veterans who have existing benefits under the GI Bill and are participating in a program “Approved for GI Bill” can use those benefits towards tuition and fee payments.
For more information on Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill Benefits visit School Program Approval - Education and Training
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/.
Get your Program Approved to Provide GI Bill Benefits
Register your apprenticeship program. To learn how to formally register your program, visit our Registered Apprenticeship Program page or use our Partner Finder to contact your nearest apprenticeship consultant.
Already registered your apprenticeship program? The next step is to seek GI Bill authorization from your Department of Veterans Affairs State Approving Agency, which is responsible for approving apprenticeship programs in your state. Requirements generally include submitting a training request form that specifically outlines the proposed program, wages, and standard workweek information, as well as the company contact name and phone number.
Requirements for GI Bill Approval Include
- Signed DOL Registered Apprenticeship Standards
- Completed VA Form 22-8865
- Completed VA Form 22-8794
To connect with the appropriate State Approving Agency for your program please visit VA Education State Approving Agency Contacts.
Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors (and employers) are provided a streamlined process for being certified under the GI Bill – typically within 30 days. Upon approval, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors are encouraged to promote their apprenticeships as Approved for the GI Bill to inform veterans about their eligibility for benefits as an apprentice with their organization.
You can find more information on becoming a program sponsor here.
11 Steps to Building a Veteran Friendly Registered Apprenticeship Program
Employers recognize the value veterans bring to the workplace, but often find it challenging to connect with separating service members and veterans seeking employment. Veterans are in high demand, so it requires dedicated efforts by employers to find and hire veterans. Stakeholders in apprenticeship can use this resource as a roadmap to building a Veteran Friendly Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Click the image to view the full infographic
Building a Pathway for Transitioning Service Members: DoD SkillBridge to Registered Apprenticeship
Employers are beginning to see the value of connecting their Registered Apprenticeship programs to the DoD SkillBridge program. This bridge provides employers with the ability to access to a talent pool of potential employees before other employers, evaluate whether the service member is a good fit for their organization before hiring them, train a potential employee while DoD still pays their salary and benefits, and once the service member gets hired as an apprentice, employers can continue to develop them within their Registered Apprenticeship program. Learn more about how to create a DoD SkillBridge program to attract veterans to your organization.
What is the VALOR Act?
This policy streamlines how multi-state apprenticeship programs are certified by the VA for Education Benefits (such as GI Bill). Apprenticeship programs can be registered by the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) on a nationwide basis under OA’s National Program Standards of apprenticeship, provided that such programs meet the minimum criteria outlined in Circular 2022-01.
Prior to this legislation, OA National Program Sponsors had to certify their program with a VA Education Approving Agency for each state in which the program operated. Now, they can certify one time with the VA Education Approving Agency in the state in which they are headquartered, and then be certified for Veteran Education Benefits across state lines.
View VALOR Act Frequently Asked Questions
Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019
This policy further streamlines how multi-state apprenticeship programs are certified by the VA. Apprenticeship programs can be registered by the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) on a nationwide basis under OA’s National Program Standards of apprenticeship, provided that such programs meet the minimum criteria outlined in Circular 2022-01.
Prior to this legislation, OA National Program Sponsors would register national apprenticeship programs, then have to identify the appropriate VA Education Approving Agency to apply for Veteran Education Benefits. Now, once Sponsors register national apprenticeship programs with the Office of Apprenticeship, Proof of Registration is automatically forwarded to the appropriate VA Education Approving Agency to apply for Veteran Education Benefits.
Learn more about Circular 2020-03: Guidance for the Applicability of the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019.
Granting Advanced Standing for Veterans in Apprenticeship
The DOL Office of Apprenticeship issued guidance for Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors and Related Instruction providers on how to facilitate the recognition and translation of relevant service-acquired skills, training, and specialized experiences previously attained by veterans into advanced program standing, academic credit, and higher wage increments.
Learn more about Circular 2020-04:Guidance for the Implementation of Section2(b)(2) of the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019.