On the Job Training

The GI Bill is Not Just for College

Thousands of men and women separate from military service annually in Texas.  Many of these veterans are eligible for GI Bill educational and training benefits.  Most people automatically think of GI Bill benefits in relation to a college education.  But the educational benefits may also be used for training in the workplace.  Eligible veterans, members of the Selected Reserve (National Guard and Reserves), and dependents of certain service-connected disabled or deceased veterans may be eligible to receive these tax-free benefits for training on the job.  (Please note that this program is not available for receipt of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits).

Training in the Workplace

Under the On the Job Training (OJT) program, newly–hired or promoted individuals eligible for GI Bill educational benefits can receive a monthly subsistence check while learning work processes, methodologies, equipment, company/agency policies, and skills under the direct supervision of a skilled trainer.  Individuals perform according to training outlines developed from U.S. Department of Labor standards, industry standards, and/or the company’s job description for the position.  The Texas Veterans Commission is the state agency that approves GI Bill OJT programs in Texas.  Within this site, individuals eligible for GI Bill Benefits will be collectively referred to as "veterans."

What is OJT?

OJT programs normally range from six months to two years in length.  While receiving GI Bill benefits, eligible employees are in training, performing a new job, and earning wages.  In Texas, positions such as police officer, firefighter, classroom teacher, budget analyst, supply management specialist, funeral director/embalmer, scuba diving instructor, surface maintenance repairer, and cabinetmaker are examples of currently approved programs.

How Do Employers Benefit From Having Approved Programs?

• Recruiting: Approved programs provide excellence to any business, industry, or agency in attracting mature, well-disciplined employees that have positive work habits.
• Retention: Entry-level employees receiving monthly subsistence checks from the VA are less likely to look for another job just for a marginal salary increase.
• Company-directed training: As the employer, you direct the training, thereby ensuring the eligible employee becomes familiar with your work processes, methodologies, equipment and policies and procedures.
• Community Enhancements: Establishments with approved programs are providing an important service to the veterans in their communities.  In addition, national studies show that the VA dollars can turn around in a community as much as three times.  Every VA dollar paid to Texas veterans directly benefits the economy of the State.

How Can Employers Qualify For Approval?

The Texas Veterans Commission may approve training programs when the training establishment and its program(s) meet the following criteria:

• The employer must provide adequate space, equipment, instructional materials and qualified personnel.  The workplace must be free of safety hazards, and comply with fire, building and sanitation codes and requirements.
• The veteran or eligible person is not already qualified by training and experience for the job.  Jobs for which trainees can qualify quickly, such as fast-foods attendant, salesman, or building custodian can not be approved.
• Employers must pay veterans no less than the starting wage paid to non-veterans.  This must be at least 50% of the wage the trainee would receive upon completing the training.
• Veterans’ wages must increase in regular, periodic increments during the prescribed training period.  By the last full time training month, wages must be at least 85% of those a fully trained employee would receive for the same job.  (Not applicable to Federal, state, and local government agencies).
• There is reasonable certainty that the job for which the veteran or eligible person is to be trained will be available at the end of the training period.  Veterans in training must work the same number of hours that others in the business normally work.  A veteran must work at least 30 hours a week or 120 hours a month to receive a full VA check for that month.
• Employers must maintain a file containing approval documentation, individual veterans’ VA paperwork, and forms recording training, progress, and wage rates.
• The monthly GI Bill benefit checks received by the veterans are intended to serve as a salary supplement during their period of training under the VA programs. Employers will receive no direct payments under these programs.

These employer requirements are intended to safeguard veterans’ rights.  Once approval is granted, the administrative burden is minimal.  The application process is simple, and the Veterans Education staff at the Texas Veterans Commission will help you throughout the approval process and certification of your eligible veterans.  TVC has staff available to assist you in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and South Texas areas.

Summary

Approval to train veterans and other eligible persons will enhance your business because:

• The benefits a veteran receives will motivate him/her to perform at a high-level.
• Veterans typically are experienced, mature, disciplined individuals with positive work habits.
• Veterans have proven employment histories, learn quickly and follow instructions.

How Do You Get Started?

Click here to review the application process.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at (512) 463-3168 or toll-free at 1-877-898-3833 (1-877-TXVETED).

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