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 for the 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.
Publish Date: 11/22/2024