Over 200,000 service members leave the military each year, but only a small fraction—0.03%—use their G.I. Bill benefits to pursue apprenticeship programs that lead to skilled careers. This issue was addressed during a recent roundtable hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor, following an executive order from the White House aimed at creating one million apprenticeship opportunities.
At the roundtable, participants discussed why so few veterans use their benefits for apprenticeships instead of college. One common concern is that veterans receive better housing allowances when attending college than when joining apprenticeship programs. The lack of such support is seen as a barrier for many considering these career paths.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has more than 1,000 collective bargaining agreements offering various forms of apprenticeship training across hundreds of high-skill jobs. Richard Evans, Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, highlighted efforts to match veterans with union resources.
“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 specialized opportunities for veteran apprenticeships. Craig Romanovich, Director of the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council, emphasized broader support beyond employment: “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.”
Efforts continue at both union and federal levels to improve awareness and accessibility for veterans seeking alternative career pathways after military service.
