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Congressman James Introduces Bipartisan Veterans' Apprenticeship Bill

Washington, DC, June 6, 2023
Tags: Veterans
Washington, D.C. – Representatives John James and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) introduced the Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act. The bill makes pre-apprenticeship programs eligible for veteran education benefits such as the post-9/11 GI Bill. This legislation seeks to create opportunities by removing barriers for veterans seeking well-paying jobs after their service. 

Contact: Madeline Peltzer

Representatives John James and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) introduced the Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act. The bill makes pre-apprenticeship programs eligible for veteran education benefits such as the post-9/11 GI Bill. This legislation seeks to create opportunities by removing barriers for veterans seeking well-paying jobs after their service. 

Pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP). Completing pre-apprenticeship programs can take weeks or months and may include wages. RAPs place individuals on a pathway to better employability.

“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 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.”

“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 Rep. 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.”

The Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act:

  • Requires the VA to treat a pre-apprenticeship program as an apprenticeship program for purposes of providing educational assistance. 
  • Allows for a pre-apprenticeship program to be covered 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.
  • Grants a veteran eligibility for a specified amount of housing assistance if not paid as part of a pre-apprenticeship program.

Rep. James’ legislation is endorsed by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Read the bill here.

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