If your program is approved by VA and you qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

On-the-job training and apprenticeships

Learn how GI Bill training programs can help you pay for books, supplies, and housing while you’re learning a trade or skill through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Find out how to get these education benefits.

Am I eligible for education benefits?

You can get benefits if you qualify for the GI Bill and want to work in an industry or job that has on-the-job training, like:

  • Plumbing
  • Hotel management
  • Firefighting

Who’s covered?

  • Veterans
  • Spouses and children getting benefits through either the Fry Scholarship or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
  • Children getting transferred benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (also called Chapter 33)

Exception: You can’t get on-the-job training if you’re an active-duty service member or a spouse using a transferred benefit.

What benefits can I get?

  • Money for books and supplies, up to $83 per month
  • Money for housing, if you’re covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill

How do I get these benefits?

You’ll need to make sure the program is approved for VA education benefits.
Check with your nearest VA regional office

You’ll most likely need to enter into a training contract for a set amount of time with an employer or union. During training, you’ll probably get a salary from the employer or union, which can go up as you gain more skills. When you finish your training, you’ll get a job certification or journeyman status.

If you’re a Veteran in an approved program, you can use your GI Bill benefit and get tax-free money for books and supplies. The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers you a monthly housing allowance (MHA) in addition to your entry-level wage. We issue GI Bill payments each month after your employer or union reports your hours to the VA.

Your payment depends on which GI Bill program you’re using.
View the payment rates

Post-9/11 GI Bill MHA payment rates

You’ll get 100% of your applicable MHA during the first 6 months of training. Then you’ll get this percentage of your MHA until your benefits run out:

  • 80% of your applicable MHA during the second 6 months of training
  • 60% of your applicable MHA during the third 6 months of training
  • 40% of your applicable MHA during the fourth 6 months of training
  • 20% of your applicable MHA during the rest of the training period

Note: If you completed at least 90 days, but less than 3 years, of active-duty service after September 10, 2001, your applicable MHA benefit will be lower than the full amount shown in the rate tables. Depending on how long you served, you’ll start with an amount that’s between 40% to 90% of the full benefit.

All other GI Bill Programs payment rates

You’ll get this percentage of your GI Bill rate until your benefits run out:

  • 75% of the full-time GI Bill rate for the first 6 months of training
  • 55% of the full-time GI Bill rate for the second 6 months of training
  • 35% of the full-time GI Bill rate for the rest of the training period

Get more information about on-the-job and apprenticeship training programs (PDF)

source:  –  Veterans Aministration:  https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/on-the-job-training-apprenticeships/