Each year, more than 200,000 service members leave the military, but only a small percentage—0.03%—use their G.I. Bill benefits for apprenticeship programs that lead to skilled careers.
A recent executive order from the White House aims to create one million apprenticeship opportunities. The U.S. Department of Labor has held a roundtable discussion focused on improving access for veterans to these programs.
According to participants in the roundtable, many veterans do not pursue apprenticeships supported by the G.I. Bill because college-related VA benefits are significantly better. One barrier discussed was the lack of housing allowance for those enrolled in apprenticeship programs. There are also unique opportunities available for specific trades, but many veterans may not have chosen which trade they want to enter.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has more than 1,000 collective bargaining agreements that provide some form of apprenticeship training in various high-skill jobs.
Richard Evans, Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, said during the meeting: “The IAM Union and the Machinists Institute have a program in Washington state that offers daycare, 24/7, so that our apprentices can work shift work if that is what is needed to stay in the program. We have a myriad of support services built into IAM Union membership. We just need people to realize these support services are there and how to utilize them.”
Craig Romanovich, Director of the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council, highlighted broader union support: “Unions care about the other 16 hours in the day outside your work,” he said. “If we can make life better in all aspects, you are going to be a better employee.”
