Apprenticeship Information from After the Corps

For veterans or those who are currently in the National Guard or reserve service, the On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program offers an alternative way to use VA (GI Bill) education and training benefits.

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For veterans or those who are currently in the National Guard or reserve service, the On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program offers an alternative way to use VA (GI Bill) education and training benefits.

Those who choose to take advantage of this program can receive monthly training benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (in addition to their regular salary) while undergoing training for their new job. Those using the Post 9/11 GI Bill may be eligible to receive up to 100% of the housing stipend for their zipcode.

As of October 1, 2013, those using the Montgomery GI Bill are eligible to receive up to $1287 a month (if active-duty) or $275.25 (if reserve or National Guard) tax-free, in addition to their regular salary. That can amount to more than $20,000 in cash benefits over two years, for training in an OJT or apprenticeship training program.

The VA pays veteran GI Bill participants on a scale depending on the amount of time each veteran is enrolled in the program. Currently, the Montgomery GI Bill program pays $1,236.00 a month for the first six months of training, $906.40 for the second six months of training, and $576.80 for remaining training.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, participants currently receive 100% of their monthly housing stipend for the first six months of training, 80% for the second six months of training, 60% for the third six months, 40% for the fourth six months, and 20% for the remainder of training.

The VA pays GI Bill Selected Reserve participants on a similar scale but at reduced rates: $275.25 a month for the first six months of training, $201.85 for the second six months of training, and $128.45 for remaining training.

Qualifying Jobs

To qualify for this program, jobs must meet the following criteria:

• The participant must be supervised at least 50 % of the time.
• The job training must lead to an entry-level position, management-training programs do not qualify.
• The participant must be a full-time paid employee and not work on commission.
• The participant's training must be documented and reported.
• The participant may not have previous job experience in their chosen field.
• The participant must have been hired within the previous two years.
• The job must require at least six months of training to become fully trained.
• The employer may be a private employer or local or state government.

Participant Companies

The following are some of the well-known companies who participate in this program:

• Pirelli Tire Company
• Procter & Gamble Company
• Merck Pharmaceuticals
• Cessna Aircraft
• Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Bell South
• World Toyota

In addition to these companies, local law-enforcement agencies, fire departments, and correctional facilities also particiapte in this program.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, an individual must be eligible for a GI Bill program and:

• No longer be on active-duty.
• Have recently been hired or promoted.
• Have left active-duty in the past 10 years or currently serve as a member of the reserve or National Guard.