PPA Webinar Series #45: Attract Veteran Candidates Through OJT & Apprenticeship Training Programs

Does your organization have a strategy to attract, hire, train, and retain Veteran candidates? The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center (PPATEC) recently became and VA-approved school which enables Veterans to use their GI Bill benefits to offset tuition costs and other training expenses. This designation allows our membership to hire Veterans and provide them with industry specific training options at a minimal expense. Employers have the option of expanding this concept by establishing on-the-job (OJT) and apprenticeship training programs for Veterans who can use their VA education benefits. These programs allow Veterans to learn a trade or skill through training on the job. A Veteran generally enters into a training contract for a specific period with an employer or union, and at the end of the training period, the Veteran gains job certification or journeyman status. Employers generally pay a reduced OJT/apprenticeship wage (must be at least 50% of journeyman wage). Veterans in an approved program can use their GI Bill benefit to receive a tax-free living stipend and attend training programs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill stipend is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents, which is paid in addition to the entry-level wage. Approved employers can use this benefit as a recruiting tool by using wages + stipend to attract Veteran candidates. The State Approving Agencies (SAA) are responsible for approving OJT/apprenticeship programs in their respective states. Requirements generally entail submitting a training request form that specifically outlines the proposed program, wages, standard workweek information, and company information.