July 2014

1. AVECO On the Job Training July 2014

2. On the Job Training • Both on-the-job & apprenticeship training programs are available for Veterans using their VA education benefits, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill. • These programs allow Veterans to learn a trade or skill through training on the job participation rather than attending formal classroom instruction. A Veteran generally enters into a training contract for a specific period with an employer or union, and at the end of the training period, the Veteran gains job certification or journeyman status. • Note: This training is not available to active duty Servicemembers or spouses using a transferred benefit.

3. On the Job Training • Employers or unions generally pay a reduced OJT/apprenticeship wage (generally 40-50% of journeyman wages). • Veterans in an approved program can use their GI Bill benefit and receive a tax free stipend. • The Post 9/11 GI Bill stipend is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents, which is paid in addition to the entry-level wage. Payments are issued monthly after VA receives certification of hours worked from your employer or union.

4. On the Job Training • Minimum Period of Operation – the minimum amount of time that an educational institution (or branch or extension of such educational institution) must have been continuously operating and offering courses before a State approving agency may approve a course(s). Branches and extensions are subject to the minimum period of operation requirements as stated in 38 CFR 21.4251 regardless of whether the branch or extension receives a separate or combined approval. • Point of contact (POC) – a designated educational institution employee at an extension or branch campus that does not have a school certifying official on location. The POC performs various functions similar to those of the certifying official but does not have the capability to certify enrollments through VA-Once. Stipend = First six months of training 100% of your applicable MHA Second six months of training 80% of your applicable MHA

5. On the Job Training The stipend is reduced 20% every six months thereafter as the Veteran’s wages regularly increase until the Veteran has attained journeyman status and pay. Stipend payments for other GI Bill programs are found at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/benefitsresources/ratetables.html

7. On the Job Training • Employer Information. • Employers can participate in this program. Contact your State Approving Agency, which governs programs at the state level and helps determine which programs Veterans should enroll in to maximize their VA educational benefits. • Approved employers can use this benefit as a recruiting tool by using wages + stipend to attract Veteran candidates.

9. On the Job Training State Approving Agencies (SAA) • The State Approving Agencies are responsible for approving OJT/apprenticeship programs in their respective states. Requirements generally entail submittting a training request form that specifically outlines the proposed program, wages, and standard workweek information, as well as the company contact name and phone number. Once all required documents are submitted, approval is generally completed in 1-2 months. • For more information regarding OJT & apprenticeship programs, and how to apply see: • http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educationresources/programs/onthejobapprenticeshiptraining.html

11. On the Job Training Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) OJT/Apprenticeship • In addition to the services of VA education benefits, VR&E also provides employers with other benefits through the Special Employer Incentive Program (SEI). • Employers hiring Veterans with a service-connected disability who are approved for VR&E services, may be entitled reimbursements up to 50% of the Veterans salary for six months to offset training costs. Additional information about the VR&E OJT program is located at: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/empresources.htm

13. On the Job Training Type of Assistance • The following on-the-job and apprenticeship opportunities may be available to Veterans: • Union plumber • Hotel management • Firefighter • Check our website www.gibill.va.gov for a list of participating employers

15. On the Job Training Available Benefits • Although the participation requirements are the same for all GI Bill programs, the payment amount varies depending on the program.

16. On the Job Training Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients • The payment rates are as follows: • You will receive 100 percent of your applicable MHA during the first six months of training in these increments: • 80 percent of your applicable MHA during the second six months of training • 60 percent of your applicable MHA during the third six months of training • 40 percent of your applicable MHA during the fourth six months of training • 20 percent of your applicable MHA during the remainder of the training • Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients will also receive up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

17. On the Job Training All other GI Bill programs • For all other GI Bill programs, the payment rates are as follows: • 75 percent of the full-time GI Bill rate for the first six months of training • 55 percent of the full-time GI Bill rate for the second six months of training • 35 percent of the full-time GI Bill rate for the remainder of the training program

18. Sample of VBA-6553d Monthly Certification for OJT and Apprenticeship.

19. Questions ?