Using VA Education Benefits for Vocational Schools and Trade Programs

For many veterans transitioning to civilian life, continuing education is a key step toward building a new career. While many veterans pursue traditional college degrees, others may prefer a faster, more hands-on route to employment through vocational schools and trade programs. These programs offer veterans the opportunity to gain specific skills in industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and automotive repair—fields that are often in high demand.

Thanks to the GI Bill and other VA education benefits, veterans can attend vocational and trade schools with little to no out-of-pocket costs. In this blog, we’ll explore how veterans can use their VA education benefits to attend vocational schools and trade programs, the career opportunities these programs provide, and how to get started with the application process. We’ll also discuss how Warrior Allegiance supports veterans on this educational journey.

1. What Are Vocational Schools and Trade Programs?

Vocational schools, also known as trade schools, are institutions that offer career-focused training in a specific skill or trade. Unlike traditional college programs, which often include general education courses, vocational programs focus solely on the skills required for a specific career, allowing students to complete their education in a shorter time frame—often between six months and two years.

Popular vocational and trade programs for veterans include:

• Welding and carpentry
• Plumbing and electrical work
• Automotive repair
• Healthcare fields such as medical assisting, phlebotomy, and dental hygiene
• Information technology (IT) and cybersecurity
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) repair
• Commercial driving and logistics

By attending vocational schools, veterans can quickly gain the hands-on experience and certifications needed to enter the workforce, often in high-demand industries that offer competitive salaries.

2. Using the GI Bill for Vocational Schools

The GI Bill is one of the most well-known VA education benefits and can be used to pay for a wide variety of educational programs, including vocational and trade schools. Both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill offer funding for veterans who wish to pursue non-degree programs, such as certificates and vocational training.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides veterans with comprehensive financial support for vocational and trade schools. Benefits typically include:

• Tuition and fee coverage: The VA will cover up to 100% of the tuition and fees at approved vocational schools, depending on the veteran’s level of eligibility.
• Monthly housing allowance: Veterans enrolled in full-time vocational training may receive a monthly housing allowance to help cover living expenses.
• Books and supplies stipend: Veterans may also receive a stipend for books and supplies, up to $1,000 per academic year.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) offers veterans a monthly payment while they attend vocational or trade school, which can be used to cover tuition and fees. The amount paid depends on the type of training, the number of training hours, and the length of the program. Veterans using the Montgomery GI Bill will receive a direct payment each month, which they can use to cover both educational and living expenses.

Other VA Education Benefits for Vocational Training

In addition to the GI Bill, veterans may also qualify for other VA education benefits, such as:

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): This program offers education and training for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including vocational programs and apprenticeships.
• VA-approved apprenticeships: Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to complete paid apprenticeships, earning a salary while they learn a trade.
• Action Step: To find out which vocational programs are approved for GI Bill benefits, veterans can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool on the VA’s website.

3. Career Paths After Vocational Training

Vocational schools and trade programs offer veterans a clear path to stable, well-paying jobs. These programs often prepare students for in-demand careers, many of which do not require a four-year degree but still offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.

High-Demand Career Fields for Veterans

Some of the top career fields that veterans can enter through vocational training include:

• Skilled trades: Veterans with a background in mechanics, engineering, or construction may find success in skilled trades like welding, electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry. These jobs often come with high earning potential and are in demand across the country.
• Healthcare: For veterans interested in helping others, healthcare is a rapidly growing field with many opportunities in medical assisting, dental hygiene, and other allied health professions. Short-term programs can lead to certification and quick entry into the workforce.
• Information technology: The IT and cybersecurity sectors are booming, and many vocational schools offer programs in computer support, network administration, and cybersecurity. Veterans with an interest in technology can gain the skills needed for these high-paying jobs in a short amount of time.
• HVAC and automotive repair: Veterans with mechanical skills can enter the automotive or HVAC repair industries, which offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement. Both fields require hands-on training, making vocational schools an ideal choice.
• Commercial driving: For veterans who enjoy being on the road, earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL)through a trade program can lead to a career in trucking or logistics—a field that continues to see strong demand.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Vocational training can also prepare veterans for entrepreneurship. Many skilled trades, such as plumbing, HVAC repair, and construction, lend themselves well to starting a small business. Veterans who dream of being their own boss can use the skills gained in vocational programs to launch their own business in these fields, with the help of organizations like Warrior Allegiance, which provides resources and mentorship for veteran entrepreneurs.

4. How to Apply for VA Education Benefits for Vocational Schools

Applying for VA education benefits to attend vocational or trade school is a straightforward process, but veterans should take the time to research their options and gather the necessary documentation.

Step 1: Choose a Vocational or Trade School

The first step is to find a VA-approved vocational school or trade program. Veterans should ensure the program they are interested in is approved for GI Bill funding, which can be done by using the VA’s School Finder tool. This tool allows veterans to search for schools by location, program type, and benefit eligibility.

• Action Step: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find VA-approved schools that offer the vocational training you’re interested in.

Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits

Veterans can apply for their GI Bill benefits through the VA’s online application portal. To complete the application, veterans will need to provide:

• Service information: Including discharge papers (DD-214) to verify eligibility.
• School information: Details about the vocational or trade program, including the school’s name and the specific course of study.
• Personal information: Social Security number, address, and direct deposit information for receiving benefit payments.
• Action Step: Complete and submit VA Form 22-1990, the Application for VA Education Benefits, through the VA’s eBenefits portal.

Step 3: Enroll in the Program

Once the application is approved, veterans will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, which they can present to the vocational school’s financial aid office. Veterans can then proceed with enrolling in the program and starting their training.

• Action Step: Work with the school’s certifying official to ensure your GI Bill benefits are applied to tuition and fees.

5. How Warrior Allegiance Supports Veterans in Vocational Training

Warrior Allegiance is committed to helping veterans successfully transition into vocational programs and trade schools by offering a range of resources and support services, including:

• Career counseling: Warrior Allegiance provides veterans with career counseling to help them explore their interests and choose a vocational program that aligns with their goals.
• Scholarship opportunities: In addition to VA benefits, Warrior Allegiance connects veterans with scholarships and grants that can help cover the cost of vocational training.
• Entrepreneurship support: For veterans interested in starting their own business after vocational training, Warrior Allegiance offers mentorship programs and resources to guide veterans through the entrepreneurial process.
• Action Step: Visit Warrior Allegiance’s website to learn more about how they can support you in using your GI Bill benefits for vocational training.

Conclusion

Vocational schools and trade programs offer veterans a fast track to stable, well-paying careers in high-demand industries. With the support of VA education benefits, including the GI Bill, veterans can attend these programs with minimal out-of-pocket costs and gain the skills needed to succeed in the civilian workforce.

Whether you’re interested in healthcare, skilled trades, IT, or any other field, vocational training provides a practical path to employment. By working with organizations like Warrior Allegiance, veterans can access the resources, mentorship, and financial support needed to thrive in their chosen career paths.

If you’re a veteran considering vocational training, take the first step today by exploring your GI Bill benefits and finding the right program to launch your new career.