GI Bill® apprenticeships and on-the-job training in the trades
- Page last updated October 23, 2026
- VA data retrieved October 23, 2026 (Comparison Tool data version 1522)
Quick answer
Apprenticeship and on-the-job training (OJT) programs approved for the GI Bill in welding, HVAC/R, electrical, barbering and cosmetology, and truck driving. You work a real job and earn wages; the GI Bill adds a monthly housing payment while you train.
By trade
How it works
Get hired into an approved program
The employer or union program must be approved by a State Approving Agency. Programs last from six months to two years for OJT; registered apprenticeships are often longer. [VA: School and program approval] [VA: On-the-job training and apprenticeships]
Earn wages
Your employer pays you as you learn. VA pays a monthly benefit on top. [VA: On-the-job training and apprenticeships]
VA payment steps down
Under Post-9/11 it starts at 100% of the local housing rate and drops every six months as your wages rise. [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]
Find more openings
The Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Job Finder lists registered apprenticeships; ask whether a program is VA-approved. [Apprenticeship.gov: Service members and veterans]
Find an approved apprenticeship or OJT program
Loading programs…
Source: VA GI Bill Comparison Tool program data, retrieved October 23, 2026; school details from VA's Comparison Tool data file dated October 8, 2026. Caution flags are shown in VA's wording.
By state
Counts for all 52 states and territories
| State | Locations | With school programs | With apprenticeship / OJT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 31 | 0 | 31 |
| Alaska | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Arizona | 37 | 0 | 37 |
| Arkansas | 38 | 0 | 38 |
| California | 103 | 0 | 103 |
| Colorado | 58 | 0 | 58 |
| Connecticut | 565 | 0 | 565 |
| Delaware | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Florida | 72 | 0 | 72 |
| Georgia | 183 | 0 | 183 |
| Hawaii | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Idaho | 124 | 0 | 124 |
| Illinois | 80 | 0 | 80 |
| Indiana | 103 | 0 | 103 |
| Iowa | 230 | 0 | 230 |
| Kansas | 26 | 0 | 26 |
| Kentucky | 62 | 0 | 62 |
| Louisiana | 27 | 0 | 27 |
| Maine | 34 | 0 | 34 |
| Maryland | 38 | 0 | 38 |
| Massachusetts | 68 | 0 | 68 |
| Michigan | 148 | 0 | 148 |
| Minnesota | 70 | 0 | 70 |
| Mississippi | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| Missouri | 45 | 0 | 45 |
| Montana | 50 | 0 | 50 |
| Nebraska | 23 | 0 | 23 |
| Nevada | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| New Hampshire | 75 | 0 | 75 |
| New Jersey | 39 | 0 | 39 |
| New Mexico | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| New York | 103 | 0 | 103 |
| North Carolina | 124 | 0 | 124 |
| North Dakota | 27 | 0 | 27 |
| Ohio | 84 | 0 | 84 |
| Oklahoma | 47 | 0 | 47 |
| Oregon | 61 | 0 | 61 |
| Pennsylvania | 104 | 0 | 104 |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Rhode Island | 31 | 0 | 31 |
| South Carolina | 62 | 0 | 62 |
| South Dakota | 54 | 0 | 54 |
| Tennessee | 50 | 0 | 50 |
| Texas | 141 | 0 | 141 |
| Utah | 84 | 0 | 84 |
| Vermont | 58 | 0 | 58 |
| Virginia | 85 | 0 | 85 |
| Washington | 57 | 0 | 57 |
| West Virginia | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Wisconsin | 204 | 0 | 204 |
| Wyoming | 24 | 0 | 24 |
Common questions
Can I use the GI Bill for an apprenticeship and still get paid?
Yes. In an approved apprenticeship or on-the-job training program you are paid wages by your employer and receive a monthly GI Bill benefit as well. VA usually expects a training contract with an employer or union, and you typically reach journeyman status at the end.
How much is the GI Bill housing allowance for apprenticeships?
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the OJT and apprenticeship payment starts at 100% of the housing rate for your training ZIP code for months 1 to 6, then drops to 80% (months 7 to 12), 60% (13 to 18), 40% (19 to 24) and 20% after that. It is prorated if you work fewer than 120 hours in a month.
Who can use the GI Bill for on-the-job training?
Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and qualifying dependents can use it. VA says you cannot use it while on active duty, or as a spouse using transferred benefits while the service member is on active duty.
How long does a GI Bill-approved apprenticeship last?
VA requires approved on-the-job training programs to last at least six months and up to two years; registered apprenticeships are often longer. State Approving Agencies approve the programs.
Can I get back pay if I am already in an apprenticeship?
The Department of Labor's GI Bill fact sheet says veterans already in a registered apprenticeship may be able to receive up to 12 months of retroactive payments once the program is approved. Ask your employer's certifying official.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “On-the-job training and apprenticeships” (page last updated February 4, 2025). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Post-9/11 GI Bill rates (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027)” (page last updated October 13, 2026). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) rates (Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027)”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “School and program approval (State Approving Agencies)”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Labor, “Apprenticeship for service members and veterans”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Labor, “Using the GI Bill for Registered Apprenticeship (fact sheet, PDF)”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Labor, “Apprenticeship Job Finder”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “GI Bill Comparison Tool”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.