Veterans Information - Text Version

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"Earn While You Learn"

Veterans, Eligible Dependents, Members of the National Guard and Reserve:

You may be eligible to receive a monthly benefit check from the Department of Veterans Affairs for Apprenticeship or On-the-job Training!

Connecticut Department of Labor

Office of Apprenticeship Training

200 Folly Brook Blvd.

Wethersfield, CT 06109

Phone: (860) 263-6085

Fax: (860) 263-6323

www.ctapprenticeship.com or email:

ct.apprenticeship@po.state.ct.us

What is Apprenticeship Training?

Apprenticeship training is on-the-job training combined with related technical instruction. You receive your

GI Bill benefits while working full-time and receiving wages. Apprenticeship programs are usually two to five

years in length.

Developing an apprenticeship training program

• An employer identifies a trade or occupation that requires at least 2,000 hours of hands-on training. The Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training assists employers in making this determination.

• The employer agrees to the requirements of the apprenticeship training program which, when approved by the Office of Apprenticeship Training, become the standards for training.

• Apprenticeship training is typically for higher-level skilled occupations. Additionally, 144 hours a year of occupationally related classroom training are required. Upon completion of the program, the apprentice receives a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion in the occupation.

• Apprentice wages start at a percentage of journeyperson wages (a journeyperson is someone who has completed an apprenticeship or is recognized/classified as a skilled person and possesses a valid card of occupational license when required). An apprentice should progress during training to the journeyperson wage at the completion of the training program.

• Apprenticeship training should lead to continuous employment for a veteran who completes the program.

What is on-the-job training?

On-the-job training (OJT) is training that you receive while actually performing a job and earning wages.

You may be eligible to receive GI Bill benefits while in an OJT program.

How on-the-job training works

• The employer identifies a job that requires entry-level training.

• The employer agrees to pay the veteran a set wage – commission, piece rate or other variables do not qualify as a set wage. There must be at least one wage increase during the training period.

• The employer designates an on-the-job training supervisor.

• The employer agrees training will be conducted for at least six months and will not exceed 24 months.

• The employer agrees to the Veterans Administration (VA) criteria of the on-the-job training program which, when approved by the Office of Apprenticeship Training, become the standards for training.

• The employer agrees not to artificially lower the wage to compensate for the eligible monthly benefits the veteran receives.

• The on-the-job training should lead to continuous employment for the veteran who completes the program.

Eligibility Guidelines

• As a general rule, veterans have 10 years after their separation from active service to use their GI Bill benefits.

• Effective Oct. 1, 1990, certain members of the National Guard/Reserve may be eligible for educational assistance allowance for participation in an approved apprenticeship training or on-the-job training program.

Contact your National Guard/Reserve unit to verify eligibility under Chapter 1606 benefits.

Eligible veterans, National Guard or Reservists can receive GI benefits in addition to their salary when enrolled in an approved OJT or apprenticeship training program.

The Connecticut Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training approves apprenticeship and OJT programs. A National Guard or Reservist’s eligibility is determined by the local unit administrator.

The Veterans Administration determines a veteran’s eligibility and pays the benefits.

Monthly benefit check amount

Monthly benefit payment rates are based on a percentage of the full-time school rate, which varies depending on each veteran’s situation. Typically the amount is 75% of the basic fulltime school rate for the first six months, 55% for the next six months and 35% for the balance of the program, or until eligibility is

exhausted. Veteran rates are reviewed annually and adjusted accordingly. For application forms or assistance completing the forms, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551.

Veterans can visit the VA Web site at www.gibill.va.gov for more details about educational benefits. Chapter 30, 32, 35 and 1606 veterans can use their GI Bill benefits for apprenticeship training and OJT, if they are employed and are being trained for the job.

To apply for apprenticeship or OJT benefits, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or www.gibill.va.gov about eligibility requirements and other VA programs. The sponsor of the APP/OJT program must contact CT DOL Apprenticeship Training program staff to apply for approval of the program for the eligible person.

After an employer’s training program is approved, the employer receives an approval packet containing procedural information. The sponsor's designated certifying official completes VA Form 22-1999

(both sides), VA Enrollment Certification, attaches a copy of CT DOL APP/OJT agreement for the eligible trainee and mails both to VA RPO, Hard Copy Awards, PO Box 21, Buffalo NY 14240-0021. Allow two months for the trainee to receive an award letter. The veteran receives a certification form each month,

to verify the hours worked for that month. The certifying official and the veteran must sign this form and keep a copy with the employee’s other work records.

Note: A VA supervisory visit will be conducted at least annually with each participating sponsor.

Visit www.ctdol.state.us/veterans for other veteran service information or call the Connecticut Department of Labor's Veterans Services at 860-263-6024.

Published by the Connecticut Department of Labor, Project Management Office