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 careers.
In response to this issue, the White House has issued an executive order aiming to create one million apprenticeship opportunities. The U.S. Department of Labor recently organized a roundtable discussion focused on ensuring veterans have fair access to these programs.
One of the main challenges identified is that many veterans are unaware of apprenticeship options supported by the G.I. Bill, often because college attendance offers better VA benefits, such as housing allowances. Participants in the roundtable explored new strategies for changing this perception and noted that the lack of housing support for apprenticeships remains a significant barrier. They also discussed specialized opportunities available in certain trades, acknowledging that some veterans may not yet have chosen which trade they want to enter.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) maintains over 1,000 collective bargaining agreements with provisions for apprenticeship training across hundreds of high-skill occupations.
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 pathways 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.”
