GI Bill benefits and apprenticeship

Are you a transitioning service member or veteran looking for a new career opportunity? Apprenticeship is a rewarding pathway to develop in-demand workplace and technical skills while earning a paycheck from day one.

Registered apprenticeship is an earn-as-you-learn workforce training model. You’ll receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training to provide the industry-specific knowledge needed to perform highly skilled work. Apprentices earn a salary as they train and the process is structured to allow for a healthy, work-life balance.

Use GI Bill benefits for apprenticeship training

Eligible veterans pursuing training through an apprenticeship program approved by a U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) State Approving Agency for education benefits can receive their GI Bill monthly housing allowance (MHA) in addition to their apprenticeship wages. The MHA issued will be a percentage of the U.S. Department of Defense Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents based on your employer’s location. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website to see the relevant rates. Visit the GI Bill Comparison Tool to help you make the right decisions about where to use your benefits

Additionally, Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients are eligible for up to $1,000 each year for books and supplies. Veterans already participating in an apprenticeship program at the time of application may be eligible to receive up to 12 months of a retroactive MHA and supplies stipend.

Minnesota GI Bill – veterans and apprenticeship training centers

In addition to federal benefits, veterans may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in state GI Bill funds. This is paid out to the veteran at $1,000 for every six months of training. Apprenticeship training centers can receive $2,000 to hire and retain veterans through this program; $1,000 upon hiring the veteran after the eligible veteran has applied for the benefit, and $1,000 after a year of training. View more information from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veteran readiness and employment benefits

Veterans with a service-connected disability may also be eligible for custom apprenticeship programs approved by a Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) counselor. Apply for VR&E benefits to determine whether you are eligible by filling out VA Form 28-1900 for VR&E benefits, available at eBenefits.va.gov.

Resources for veterans, apprenticeship programs and employers

• Download a GI Bill Benefits and Apprenticeship handout

• Find a Minnesota apprenticeship opportunity near you

• Apply for benefits

• Learn more about the GI Bill

• Determine if other organizations/employers are approved for the GI Bill

• Employers:  Apply with the Minnesota State Approving Agency for GI Bill approval

• Find apprenticeship resources for service members and veterans

• Find employers who have met criteria for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Questions about GI Bill benefits?

Contact the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs at MNGIBill@state.mn.us or 1-888-546-5838.

This website content was developed as part of a $450,000 USDOL grant to support the expansion of registered apprenticeship in Minnesota.