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For veterans

Are you a transitioning service member, veteran or currently serving in the Reserve or Guard and looking for a new career opportunity? Apprenticeship is a rewarding pathway to start a career while earning a paycheck from day one.

GI Bill benefits and apprenticeship

Customized, hands-on apprenticeships allow apprentices to learn and earn on their way to a rewarding career. From day one, an apprentice is employed and earning wages that will increase as they gain job-specific skills through classroom and on-the-job training. At the end of the apprenticeship, they will have the certifications and credentials necessary to succeed in their field.

There are many different ways to leverage GI Bill® benefits during your apprenticeship program. On this page you will find a list of benefits apprentices are typically eligible for. It is up to the apprentice to search and apply for benefits using the tools and resources outlined on this website.

You can use GI Bill benefits for apprenticeship training

The GI Bill can be used for more than just college, it is transition assistance to help veterans secure meaningful, long-term employment after they leave military service. This includes job training, like registered apprenticeship. Eligible veterans pursuing training through an apprenticeship program approved by a State Approving Agency (state employees who oversee the GI Bill in their state) can receive 36 months of training through the GI Bill. 

Federal funding opportunities

  • Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR):  Those currently serving in the Reserve or Guard may be eligible for a monthly stipend while working at an eligible registered apprenticeship.

  • Post- 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33):  Veterans who have been discharged from active duty may be eligible for a monthly housing allowance (MHA) in addition to their apprenticeship wages. The MHA issued will be the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents based on your employer’s location and prorated based on your time on active duty. In addition, for registered apprenticeship, veterans are also eligible for up to $1,000 for supplies for their first year in training.

  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA):  Children or spouses of a veteran or service member who has died or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability may be eligible for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, which also pays a monthly stipend.

To apply for federal VA education benefits, follow the steps outlined on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. You will need to check your eligibility and create an account.

State funding opportunities

The Minnesota GI Bill is paid by Minnesota taxpayers, for Minnesota veterans, to go to Minnesota schools and work at Minnesota businesses. Veterans may be eligible to receive up to $15,000. At a registered apprenticeship, this is paid out to the veteran at $1,000 for every six months of training. View more information from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affair (MDVA). 

Apply for the Minnesota GI Bill here.

Additional resources

For program sponsors

Sponsors who are interested in hiring veterans may also be eligible to receive funds from the state of Minnesota. The Minnesota GI Bill incentives $1,000 to hire and $1,000 to retain each veteran they hire in programs that support the GI Bill. In the case of training centers, they will be eligible for these funds rather than the employer. This process is automatically started when a veteran is hired and applies for their Minnesota GI Bill. To learn more about this process and or ask questions about the Minnesota GI Bill, contact the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs at MNGIBill@state.mn.us.

Who to contact for help

If you have questions about eligibility, completing forms or anything else GI Bill-related, find your local MDVA contact.

In addition to answering benefits-specific questions, they can help with things like:

  • Payment extensions while awaiting properly applied for educational benefits

  • Military transfer credit

  • Veteran resident status

  • Options for withdrawal from classes due to deployment

If you have questions about the apprenticeship search process, contact naomi.cowan@state.mn.us.

Helmets to Hardhats

Helmets to Hardhats connects military members with fulfilling, family-sustaining careers in the construction industry through registered apprenticeship programs. Helmets to Hardhats connects participants with employers and educates them about how to use their GI Bill benefits to supplement their income while completing their training.

You served your country, now help build it. Visit the Helmets to Hardhats website or contact justin.rost@mnh2h.org to start your journey today.

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.