Pursuing an apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on training and experience in a skilled trade or career field If you are eligible for GI Bill education benefits, you can use them to help fund apprenticeship programs and supplement your income during training This article explains how GI Bill benefits work for apprenticeships, including the monthly payment amounts at each stage.
Overview of Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is an arrangement where you receive extensive on-the-job training from an experienced mentor. Apprenticeships typically last from 1-6 years depending on the occupation. Some common apprenticeship careers include:
- Construction trades (electrician, plumber, welder)
- Manufacturing and repair (machinist, mechanic)
- Service industry (chef, hairdresser)
- Public service (police, firefighter)
During the apprenticeship, you will gain skills through hands-on training under the supervision of seasoned professionals. You usually start by observing and assisting before gradually taking on more tasks. Along with structured OJT, classroom instruction is often required. At the end, you will earn a certificate of completion and become fully qualified in the career.
GI Bill Programs that Cover Apprenticeships
If you qualify for GI Bill education benefits you can use them to help fund apprenticeship programs. The two main programs are
-
Montgomery GI Bill – Both the Active Duty and Selected Reserve programs under MGIB can be used. You will receive a monthly stipend based on training hours.
-
Post-9/11 GI Bill – Get a monthly housing allowance plus money for books/supplies. Your benefits percentage determines payments.
Dependents using VA benefits like the Fry Scholarship or DEA can also use them for apprenticeships. let’s look closer at the monthly payment rates under each program.
Montgomery GI Bill Payment Rates
Here are the MGIB monthly payment rates for apprenticeships in 2023:
- First 6 months: $1,824 a month
- Second 6 months: $1,348 a month
- Remainder of training: $872 a month
These rates are based on full-time training with 120+ hours per month. Payments will be prorated if you have less hours. Under MGIB, your employer salary does not impact the benefit amount. Payments come directly from the VA.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Payment Rates
With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, payments are calculated differently:
-
Monthly Housing Allowance – Paid based on military BAH rates for an E-5 with dependents in your area. MHA decreases 20% every 6 months as your skills progress.
-
Book/Supply Stipend – Up to $83 a month (capped at $1,000 per year)
Your Post-9/11 benefit percentage determines the exact payment amounts. Unlike MGIB, your salary from the employer will reduce payments.
Comparing MGIB and Post-9/11 Payments
The table below shows sample monthly payment comparisons between MGIB and Post-9/11:
| Months | MGIB | Post-9/11 (with BAH) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 | $1,824 | $2,500 |
| 7-12 | $1,348 | $2,000 |
| Remainder | $872 | $1,500 |
As shown, Post-9/11 with BAH included often provides more funding, especially in the first 12 months. But MGIB payments are reliable and unaffected by employer salary.
Other Apprenticeship GI Bill Benefits
In addition to the monthly stipends, those using Post-9/11 can receive:
- Annual $1,000 book/supply allowance
- Prorated housing allowance during classroom periods
- Opportunity to use months of benefits for related classroom training
Make sure to research both GI Bill programs fully to decide which works best for your situation.
Applying for GI Bill Benefits for Apprenticeships
To receive GI Bill benefits for an apprenticeship:
- Find an approved program using the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool
- Formally register as an apprentice with the program sponsor
- Submit VA Form 22-1995 to apply for benefits
- Verify program participation each month to receive payments
The VA will coordinate with the program sponsor to ensure you meet requirements and process monthly benefits.
Using GI Bill for OJT and Union Programs
In addition to formal apprenticeships, you can use GI Bill benefits for other job training programs:
- On-the-job training (OJT) with an employer
- Trade union training programs
Benefit amounts are generally the same. These programs just differ in structure and administration. Requirements for GI Bill eligibility remain consistent.
Apprenticeships Provide Hands-On Training
Pursuing an apprenticeship lets you gain practical experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Using your GI Bill benefits helps offset costs and provides a supplemental income during the multi-year training period. Compare the monthly payment rates between MGIB and Post-9/11 to determine the best option for your goals. With up to $2,500 per month available, GI Bill benefits make apprenticeships and other OJT programs more accessible.
Am I eligible for education benefits?
You may be eligible for benefits if you qualify for the GI Bill and want to work in an industry or job that has on-the-job training, like:
- 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
- Money for housing, if you use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
How Much Money I Made Using The Post 9/11 GI Bill
FAQ
How does the GI Bill work with apprenticeships?
How much do I get monthly from GI Bill?
|
State
|
City
|
BAH Rate
|
|
CA
|
Los Angeles
|
$3,636
|
|
CA
|
San Diego
|
$3,882
|
|
CA
|
Monterey
|
$3,318
|
|
CA
|
Riverside
|
$3,099
|
How much is the Chapter 35 stipend per month?
What is the 48 month rule with GI Bill?
How much does GI Bill training cost?
On a similar scale at the reduced rates selected GI Bill participants will be paid by VA .The following reduced rates are:-For the first six month of training $275.25 monthly, for the second six month of training $201.85 monthly and for the rest of training $128.45. The employer may be local, private or state government.
What happens when you finish GI Bill training?
When you finish your training, you’ll get a job certification or journeyman status. 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.
What is a GI Bill earn-and-Learn program?
These earn-and-learn programs provide veterans with the ability to learn a new skill without accumulating college debt, and eligible veterans in these programs can use their GI Bill benefits to receive a tax-free monthly housing stipend.
How does GI Bill training work?
The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay your GI Bill benefits on a sliding scale depending on how long you are in training. You will also receive a salary from your employer. The VA benefit usually decreases every six months as your salary increases. At the end of your training, you will be certified in your skill.
Can I get GI Bill training if I’m a veteran?
If you are a veteran or currently in the Guard or reserve, the GI Bills’ on-the-job training (OJT) or apprenticeship programs offer you an alternative way to use your benefits. When you are trained for a new job, you can receive monthly training benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs in addition to your regular salary.
Can I get GI Bill education benefits?
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?