A Deep Dive into Using the GI Bill for Veteran Trade Programs

Transitioning back to civilian life after your military service can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have another job lined up. If you’re uncertain about your next step, consider using the GI Bill for veteran trade programs. Using your veteran benefits, like the GI Bill, for vocational training is a smart investment in your future, but you may be wondering what programs are eligible for those benefits. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how you can use the GI Bill for veteran trade programs — including the heavy equipment and crane operator training courses at PTS.

A New Path Forward: For more information about how veterans can take advantage of heavy equipment operator training, check out this free ebook from PTS. 

What is the GI Bill and How Can Veterans Use It?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill can help you pay for school, trade programs, or cover job-training expenses. If you were an active duty military member on or after September 11, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Let’s dive into the requirements for Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.

You may be eligible for these education benefits if you meet at least one of the following requirements:

• You have served at least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001, or
• You have received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service, or
• You have served for at least 30 continuous days on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-related disability, or
• You are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying veteran

Additionally, if your service ended on or after January 1, 2013, these benefits won’t ever expire because of a law called the Forever GI Bill — Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act.

But how exactly can you use the GI Bill for veteran trade programs? You can use these benefits for:

• Tuition and fees
• Money for housing if you are in school more than half time
• Money for books and other supplies
• Money to help you move from a rural area to go to school
• Payments for vocational training or a non-college degree
• On-the-job training and apprenticeships
• Entrepreneurship training
• Flight training
• Test fees
• Work study
• Correspondence training
• Distance learning

Now the important question: how do you get these benefits? First, you’ll need to apply to use the GI Bill for veteran trade programs. You’ll need some documents and information readily available, like your social security number, bank account direct deposit information, education and military history, and basic information about the program you wish to attend. Typically, it takes about 30 days to determine your eligibility for these benefits.

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program

In addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you should also consider utilizing the VR&E program for veteran trade programs. This is available to veterans with a service-related disability that limits or prevents their ability to work. Benefits include support services for learning new skills, finding new employment, starting a business, or getting educational counseling, and these benefits can also transfer to the dependents of veterans.

Use Your Veteran Benefits at PTS and Thrive in a New Career

PTS is a certified Military Friendly school and we have extensive experience helping veterans find new careers as heavy equipment or crane operators. We offer three-week, 120-hour courses that will prepare you for future success:

• Heavy Equipment Operator 1: Here, you’ll learn the basic skills that can help you gain entry-level employment operating a skid steer, wheel loader, compactor, backhoe, or articulated off-road dump truck. You’ll also gain an introduction to earthmoving, soils, and basic safety measures.
• Heavy Equipment Operator 2: In this course, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to operate bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and motor graders, as well as learn grades, site work, excavation math, and more.
• Mobile Crane Operations: PTS  will provide you with the skills necessary to find a job as an NCCCO-certified crane operator. You’ll learn crane safety, crane operations, preventative maintenance, and how to operate a mobile hydraulic telescopic boom swing-cab and a telescopic boom fixed-cab crane.

PTS can help you take advantage of your veteran benefits and thrive in veteran trade programs. Our training courses consist of a balance of classroom learning and practical experience so you have the knowledge you need to gain employment. We have helped veterans from all branches of the military utilize their hard-earned benefits, and we’re ready to help you take the next step. If you’re ready to embark on your new career journey, contact us today. Schedule a tour at PTS and earn a $500 tuition reduction scholarship.