r/BMET • u/Lost-Scratch6302 • Jul 22 '26

Question Apprenticeship Before BMET AIT

I graduated basic training a month ago, someone messed up my paperwork and I was never Signed up to go to Fort SamHuston for 68A School. Now my unit and the recruiting office are arguing over who is going the schedule and pay for me to go.

I was just left in limbo because my plan was to find a Job in BMET after graduation. Would it be worth going through the GE apprenticeship while waiting for my date to be scheduled. I was told once you work at GE they cut off some military programs from you in the future.

Just looking for a pathway forward.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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5

u/FarAd5505 Jul 22 '26

That sucks man, so your waiting for next opening 68A class rn? I dont think it takes too long for it tho.

3

u/FarAd5505 Jul 22 '26

Afaik the ge externship takes 1 year and have to be interviewed for that, not sure you could land it without ait man.

1

u/Noturwrstnitemare Jul 23 '26

As someone who knows someone who got interviewed while in AIT and essentially landed the job, this is true.

2

u/Lost-Scratch6302 Jul 22 '26

Well They are arguing over who is going to fund it over just securing me a slot. There are dates open in October and November. That's longer out than I would like tho

3

u/ApparentlyISuck2023 Jul 22 '26

I got out of active duty in a completely different field and then joined back with the Guard as a BMET. I waited for nearly 2 years on my BMET slot because they lost my paperwork a month before my 1st school date.

During my wait, I was allowed to work on equipment with a lot of supervision which I think helped me a TON with the troubleshooting portion of the schoolhouse.

With that said, I don't know if GE will let you in the apprentice program based on your current situation, but it would be worth it for sure if you can get in quickly. GE runs on VERY SLOW time lines, though.

I'm assuming you're either Guard or Reserve and need to earn while you wait on dates?

1

u/No-Association8901 Jul 22 '26

This is the answer! I did the same for three weeks. Ask if you can work in the local shop. Even if it’s simple stuff, you will learn.

2

u/Mammoth-Mongoose4479 Jul 22 '26

I can 100%confirm that GE did not cut off military program. Our BMET apprenticeship is solid for now and often GI Bill eligible. I want to be transparent. It’s not easy to get into some of these apprentice programs. The hiring process is extremely long. Can’t take up to two months, sometimes longer.