OJT / APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Overview 

This page is designed to clarify the benefits for Soldiers who are not attending a college or university, but are looking to take advantage of their GI Bill benefits when participating in On-The-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Training at work. 

Using GI Bill benefits while participating in On-The-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Training presents a unique opportunity for the Soldier to collect an extra paycheck while learning a new trade or increasing their professional knowledge and skills at their place of employment. 

New Jersey’s State Approving Agency (SAA) must specifically approve each training program in which a soldier wishes to use GI Bill benefits.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

OJT is training that a solider can receive while performing a job and earning a paycheck at the same time. OJT programs normally last from six months to two years. Below are some examples of currently approved OJT programs:

  • Manager
  • Metal Fabricator
  • Service Technician
  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Short Order Cook
  • Warehouse Person
  • Security Guard

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship Training is OJT combined with related theory instruction. Apprenticeship Training programs normally run from two to five years in length. Below are some examples of approved Apprenticeship Training programs:

  • Brick Layer
  • Carpenter
  • Electrician
  • Iron Worker
  • Machinist
  • Maintenance Mechanic
  • Plumber

New Jersey State Approving Agency (SAA)

The New Jersey SAA’s role is to approve and supervise Apprenticeship and OJT programs for eligible Veterans, Dependents, and National Guardsmen and Reservists. The New Jersey SAA operates within the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). 

 

View a list of organizations in New Jersey at nj.gov/military/veterans/services/saa. For more information visit apprenticeship.gov.

Payment Amounts

OJT / Apprenticeship rates paid under GI Bill chapters are determined by a percentage of the governing chapter’s full-time rate. For more rate information visit the VA website at GI Bill Rate Tables.

How to apply

The soldier should have their New Jersey employer contact the State Approving Agency at:


New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs 
Division of Veterans Services 
101 Eggert Crossing Road 
PO Box 340 
Trenton, NJ 08625-0340 
Telephone: (609) 530-6489 / 6852 
FAX: (609) 530-7196


Note: Soldiers employed outside of New Jersey should have their employer contact their state’s SAA. 


Soldiers then should determine eligibility and obtain all necessary application forms from:

Department of Veterans Affairs 
20 Washington Place 
Newark, NJ 07102.