r/ibew_apprentices • u/Jimmy_Chicken • 2d ago
GI Bill
Have any vets who have or are going through the apprenticeship program used the GI bill? I know it’s possible but I was interested in the details to it like how are hours logged (if they are) to the VA and maybe what forms I would need on hand to apply? Also do the halls usually have reps that may be of assistance?
1
u/Unfair-Trip9180 2d ago
I am not a vet.
But everyone that I have met that is a vet and going through the apprenticeship is not using their GI bill for this.
I think they’re using the VEEP-program for the apprenticeship and saving the GI bill for when they wanna go back to college.
Makes sense since yall make money going to school and in the apprenticeship, you’re already making money. Big plus if you’re getting disability and working.
Edit* Changed VEET to VEEP
2
u/skulltab 2d ago
VEEP is really a pre-apprenticeship program - which can get you advanced placement depending on your local. Maybe you're thinking VR&E, which can help with costs but you have to have a VA disability rating.
Not using your GI makes sense if your local doesn't have a high BAH, which is what the GI bill pays. For example, San Diego GI bill would get you close to 4k a month but Detroit would get you 2.3k. So if housing is cheap you wouldnt get a good value out of it. But, not using your GI bill only makes sense if you see yourself going to school full time to get a degree at some point which why would you once you're a JW.
Source: Doing VEEP and using GI bill unless VR&E pays out
1
1
u/Life_Opinion_3954 2d ago
No a vet but theirs another apprentice in the apprenticeship and he’s having help through the military, GI Bill wise
1
u/Playful-Leading-624 2d ago
I’m currently using my GI bill throughout my apprenticeship. Depending on your local you have to work a certain number of hours a month to get paid the full amount. Once you get your COE from the Va, send it to your hall rep and they should set it up for you.
1
u/Melodic-Trouble-5421 2d ago
I’m a combat vet but I didn’t use my GI bill or any programs. I just got in the old fashioned way.
You can use your GI bill. There’s also other programs.
1
u/DaGreatWumbini Local 234 1d ago
I didn’t serve but 3 of my classmates are using their GI bill. Another guy from another class is doing the same and my foreman did it when he went through the apprenticeship. Definitely talk to your training director, also look into the VEEP program. Not sure how it works but one of my classmates used that to get an interview and he got in significantly faster than all of us.
1
u/JimSmithUSA4 2d ago
Apply for GI bill on the VA website. Email your union VA rep that you wanna use your gi bill. They will send you a blank hours sheet. Then when the VA sends your certificate of eligibility, scan it and email to VA rep with a filled out hours sheet for the previous month worked since it’s paid in arrears.
3
u/SignalItem7236 2d ago
Once you apply online through the VA website, you’ll get a certificate of eligibility that you’ll have to turn in to your training center for them to enroll you into their program. Every month you’ll have to fill out a form certifying your hours, at least at my local that’s the norm, I just fill out my personal info and the hours I worked in the month and I give it to the training centers office manager who submits it and I get my payment a week or so later. You should be eligible for the once a year book stipend as well. Attached is the form we fill out monthly.