
Veterans Information
"Earn While You
Learn"
Veterans, Eligible
Dependents, Members of the National Guard and Reserve:
You may be eligible to receive Apprenticeship
Credit in Connecticut. (Public
Act No. 14-131, Section 31-22u)
Contact:
Attn: Paul Femia
Connecticut Department of Labor
Office of Apprenticeship Training
200 Folly Brook Blvd.
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: (860) 263-6128
Fax: (860) 263-6088
www.ctapprenticeship.com or email:
paul.femia@ct.gov
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.
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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
-
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.
www.gibill.va.gov
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. 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
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/veterans/default.htm for other veteran service
information.

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