OJA & Apprenticeship
The ODVA State Approving Agency (SAA) is under contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide oversight over all institutions offering education or training in the State of Oklahoma who participate in, or wish to participate in, GI Bill® educational benefits. This includes OJT and Federal Apprenticeships!
The On-The-Job Training (OJT) or Apprenticeship Program offered through the GI Bill provides financial assistance for veterans or members of the guard or reserve to receive training for a new job while also receiving a salary. This program allows veterans to use their GI Bill benefits in a different way and can provide extra financial support while they are being trained for a new job. The amount of financial assistance provided through the program depends on the GI Bill being used and whether the veteran is on active duty or in the reserves. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a monthly housing stipend, with the amount decreasing over the course of the training program, while the Montgomery GI Bill provides a monthly payment for the duration of the training program.
To qualify for the OJT or Apprenticeship Program, the job must be a full-time paid position, lead to an entry-level position, be supervised at least 50% of the time, and require at least six months of training to become fully trained. The employer may be a private company, local government, or state government. To be eligible for the program, veterans must be eligible for the GI Bill and either no longer on active duty, recently hired or promoted, still eligible for the GI Bill, or currently a member of the guard or reserve. In some cases, the VA may even provide retroactive payments for OJT from the past 12 months. It's important to note that GI Bill OJT benefits cannot be received at the same time as GI Bill education benefits.
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans receive 100% of the monthly housing stipend for the first six months of training, 80% for the second six months, 60% for the third six months, 40% for the fourth six months, and 20% for the remainder of the training. Under the Montgomery GI Bill, active duty veterans receive $1,657.50 a month for the first six months of training, $1,215.50 a month for the second six months, and $773.50 a month for the remainder of the training. Reserve veterans receive $329.25 a month for the first six months, $241.45 a month for the second six months, and $153.65 for the remainder of the training.
Thus, while receiving OJT or apprenticeship benefits through the GI Bill, veterans see an increase in pay as they progress through the training program. Typically, pay increases every six months until the veteran reaches journeyman or full employment level. This financial assistance can be a valuable resource for veterans as they receive training for a new job and work towards their career goals.
To qualify for the On-The-Job Training (OJT) or Apprenticeship Program offered through the GI Bill, there are several criteria that a job must meet. Firstly, the job must be supervised at least 50% of the time, and the training must lead to an entry-level position. Management training programs do not qualify for this program. In order to receive OJT or apprenticeship benefits, veterans must be full-time paid employees, rather than working on commission. It is also necessary for the training to be documented and reported.
In addition to these requirements, veterans must not have previous job experience in the field they are being trained in, and they must have been recently hired (within one to two years). The job must also require at least six months of training to become fully trained. Employers participating in the OJT or Apprenticeship Program may be private companies, local governments, or state governments.
The OJT or Apprenticeship Program can provide valuable financial assistance for veterans as they receive training for a new job and work towards their career goals. By meeting the aforementioned eligibility criteria, veterans can take advantage of this program and receive support as they receive the necessary training to enter the workforce in a new field.
To be eligible for the GI Bill OJT benefit, you must first be eligible for the GI Bill and meet one of the following criteria: you are no longer on active duty, you have recently been hired or promoted, you are still eligible for the GI Bill, or you are a member of the Guard or Reserve (Reserve GI Bill).
If you meet these eligibility requirements and are participating in a job training or apprenticeship program, you should apply for the GI Bill OJT benefit. In some cases, the VA may even pay retroactively for OJT from the past 12 months. It is important to note that you may not receive the GI Bill OJT benefit at the same time as the GI Bill education benefit. If you are interested in using your GI Bill benefits through the OJT or Apprenticeship Program, your next step should be to contact your nearest VA Regional Office or local State Approving Agency (SAA). Your SAA will help you get started on the process and answer any questions you may have. These agencies can provide valuable assistance and support as you navigate the process of applying for and receiving OJT or apprenticeship benefits through the GI Bill.
