West Hudson Valley News

“Veterans Entry to Apprenticeship Act” helps veterans enter the workforce by allowing them to use education benefits for pre-apprenticeship programs 

WASHINGTON, DC  – On June 7, 2023, Congressman Pat Ryan and his West Point classmate, Congressman John James (R-MI), introduced the “Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act.” This legislation allows veterans to use their education benefits for pre-apprenticeship programs, which are not currently covered by the VA, knocking down a significant barrier to entry for veterans’ trying to enter the workforce. The bill is endorsed by both Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. 

“John and I may come from different political parties, but as veterans and West Point classmates, we both know firsthand how hard it is to transition from active duty back to civilian life,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “By increasing access to pre-apprenticeship programs, our veterans can get the training and skills they need to be successful in whatever field they wish to pursue. Our veterans took care of us, now it is time for us to take care of them.”

“As an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Army, I know how challenging it can be to readjust to life after the military,” said Congressman John James. “The Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act offers our servicemembers the chance to learn skills that prepare them for a recognized apprenticeship and put them on the path to obtaining good, well-paying jobs. The transition back to civilian life shouldn’t be the toughest battle our veterans face.”

Pre-apprenticeship is a program designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP). The duration of pre-apprenticeship programs varies from a few weeks to a few months, and it may include wages or stipend. Pre-apprenticeship programs place an individual on a pathway to employability through a RAP. At present, pre-apprenticeship programs are not covered by VA provided education benefits. 

By allowing veterans to use their education benefits to enroll in pre-apprenticeship programs, this legislation would help them build the necessary skills needed to enter and succeed in the apprenticeship programs of their choice. This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat a pre-apprenticeship program, if the curriculum is approved by a sponsor that can certify to the VA that the program will prepare an individual with skills and competencies needed to enroll in a registered apprenticeship program, as an apprenticeship program for purposes of providing educational assistance. This will create access to critical funding to allow veterans to prepare for future careers. 

Additionally, the legislation grants a veteran that is not paid as part of a pre-apprenticeship program the eligibility for a specified amount of housing assistance. 

Endorsed by: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.

Original source can be found here.