What is VA OJT/Apprenticeship?
The VA OJT and Apprenticeship program lets you use your GI Bill benefits while learning a trade through hands-on workplace training. You earn wages from your employer plus a monthly stipend from VA.
Unlike classroom education, you're getting paid by an employer while the VA supplements your income. As your skills increase and your employer wages rise, the VA stipend gradually decreases.
Authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 3677. Training must last 6 months to 2 years full-time (minimum 120 hours/month).
Key Advantages
OJT Payment Schedule (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
OJT Payment Schedule (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Housing allowance is based on the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the training facility's ZIP code. The rate decreases as your training progresses (and employer wages presumably increase).
Books stipend: Up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies, paid at the start of each training year.
Entitlement savings: OJT charges entitlement proportionally based on hours AND training period. A 2-year apprenticeship may use significantly less than 24 months of your 36-month entitlement.
Source: VA.gov Post-9/11 GI Bill Rates. MGIB OJT rates: $1,888.50 → $1,384.90 → $881.30 (3+ years service). See MGIB rates.
VET TEC 2.0 — High-Tech Training (No GI Bill Required)
VET TEC 2.0 — High-Tech Training (No GI Bill Required)
Applications are open (VA Form 22-10297, accepted since June 15, 2026). VA limits the program to 4,000 paid participants per fiscal year and funds it through September 30, 2027; VA.gov showed about 2,000 openings left when we checked on September 16, 2026. Check VA.gov for current status.
What It Covers
Non-college-degree certificate programs in computer programming, software, data processing, information sciences, and media applications. VA pays tuition and fees to the provider, a books-and-supplies stipend, and a monthly housing allowance equal to the Post-9/11 GI Bill rate while you train.
Eligibility
Veteran Apprenticeship Programs
Veteran Apprenticeship Programs
Helmets to Hardhats
Connects veterans with 15 international construction trade unions. Nearly 50,000 placed since 2003. GI Bill compatible.
Learn moreUA Veterans in Piping (VIP)
Free 18-week training (welding, HVACR, or sprinkler fitting) for transitioning active duty. Guaranteed direct entry into a UA-registered apprenticeship and job placement with a signatory contractor after completion.
Learn moreIBEW VEEP (Veterans Electrical Entry Program)
7-week pre-apprenticeship — graduates enter IBEW apprenticeship at the 2nd-year level. Military members with electrical MOS may qualify for additional direct-entry credit. GI Bill approved at many locals.
Learn moreSMART Heroes (Sheet Metal)
7-week sheet metal industry training. Direct entry into SMART apprenticeship programs after completion. Available to enlisted prior to discharge.
Learn moreIUOE (Operating Engineers)
Heavy equipment operator apprenticeship (4-year programs). IUOE participates in Helmets to Hardhats for direct entry; some locals may grant credit for related military experience — verify with your local.
Learn moreHow to Use GI Bill for OJT — Step by Step
How to Use GI Bill for OJT — Step by Step
OJT vs Classroom vs SkillBridge
OJT vs Classroom vs SkillBridge
| Factor | SkillBridge | GI Bill OJT | GI Bill Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| When available | Last 180 days active duty | After separation only | After separation |
| Who pays you | Full military pay | Employer + VA stipend | VA housing allowance |
| GI Bill used? | NO | Yes (proportionally) | Yes (1 mo per mo) |
| Housing allowance | Your normal BAH | E-5 w/dep BAH at training ZIP (decreasing) | E-5 w/dep BAH at school ZIP |
| Credential earned | Varies | Journeyman / cert | Degree / certificate |
| Duration | Up to 180 days | 6 mo to 2+ years | 2-4+ years typical |
| Active duty required? | MUST be active | CANNOT be active | Either |
Best combination: SkillBridge during your last 180 days (full military pay, GI Bill untouched) → OJT/Apprenticeship after separation (employer wages + VA stipend, GI Bill used proportionally). This maximizes both benefits.
Find Approved OJT Programs
Search for VA-approved OJT and apprenticeship programs near you using the official GI Bill Comparison Tool.
OJT rates change annually. Active-duty members cannot use OJT benefits (available after separation only). Always verify program approval with your State Approving Agency and current rates at va.gov/education/benefit-rates/ before making decisions. GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-442-4551.
About this entitlement
What you need to know — straight from the regulation
What VA On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship are
The VA On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship programs allow eligible veterans to use GI Bill benefits while earning a wage in a registered job-training program. OJT is authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 3677 and Apprenticeship under 38 U.S.C. § 3687. Employers and programs are approved through the State Approving Agencies that partner with the VA.
Participants receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA) from the VA on top of their employer wage. The MHA is paid at a percentage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill housing rate that decreases over the course of the training (front-loaded to support trainees early in their program).
38 U.S.C. §§ 3677, 3687 · 38 CFR Part 21 · VA State Approving Agency network
Registered Apprenticeship and DOL
Apprenticeships eligible for the GI Bill are generally Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at apprenticeship.gov or with a State Apprenticeship Agency. Registration ensures that the program meets wage-progression, related-instruction, and completion standards required by the National Apprenticeship Act.
National Apprenticeship Act · DOL Apprenticeship.gov · 29 CFR Part 29
VET TEC 2.0
The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program is a separate VA authority that funds high-tech training (coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, information science, media applications) at approved training providers. VET TEC 2.0 is a new VA program that succeeds the 2019–2024 VET TEC pilot (pilot-era provider approvals did not carry over). Applications opened June 15, 2026, the program is limited to 4,000 paid participants per fiscal year, and it is funded through September 30, 2027. Eligibility and payment rules are set by VA.
VA.gov VET TEC 2.0 program page (captured Sep 16, 2026) · VA Education Service VET TEC 2.0 webinar, May 2026
Source & references
- Primary source
- VA.gov; 38 U.S.C. §§ 3677, 3687; DOL Apprenticeship.gov — view official publication
- Regulatory reference
- 38 U.S.C. §§ 3677, 3687 · 38 CFR Part 21 · 29 CFR Part 29
- Effective date
- Rates effective OCT 2025 through SEP 2026
- DOL Apprenticeship.gov
- https://www.apprenticeship.gov/
Military Toolkit is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, DFAS, DTMO, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any government agency. Rates and rules on this page are pulled directly from the publications cited above. Always verify with your finance office, TMO, or the official rate page before making financial or planning decisions.