Each year, more than 200,000 service members leave the military, but only a small fraction—0.03%—use their G.I. Bill benefits to pursue apprenticeship programs that can lead to skilled, long-term careers.
In response to this gap, the White House has issued an executive order with the goal of creating one million apprenticeship opportunities across the country. The U.S. Department of Labor recently hosted a roundtable discussion aimed at ensuring veterans have better access to these programs.
One challenge discussed at the roundtable is that many veterans choose college over apprenticeships because G.I. Bill benefits for higher education are more generous, particularly regarding housing allowances. Some participants noted that uncertainty about which trade to enter also prevents veterans from pursuing apprenticeships.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has over 1,000 collective bargaining agreements offering apprenticeship training in hundreds of high-skill jobs.
Richard Evans, Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, highlighted how his organization supports veterans: “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,” said Evans. “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.”
The AFL-CIO Veterans program also provides unique opportunities for veteran apprenticeships. Craig Romanovich, Director of the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council, emphasized broader union support: “Unions care about the other 16 hours in the day outside your work,” said Romanovich. “If we can make life better in all aspects, you are going to be a better employee.”
