If you are a veteran, National Guard member, selected reservist or an eligible dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible to receive a monthly educational benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

What are VA GI Bill OJT/Apprenticeship and Missouri Show Me Heroes Programs?

Missouri State Approving Agency and the Show-Me Heroes Program agree to share information regarding VA benefits for on-the-job training and apprenticeship and Show Me Heroes on-the-job training reimbursements to employers.

The VA program for on-the-job training and apprenticeship include benefits for eligible veterans and dependents. The minimum training program length is at least six months. Benefits range from $276 to $1,341 or more per month paid to the veteran, based on entitlement.

The Show-Me Heroes Program features a 50% wage reimbursement to employers in qualifying training for up to six months. Some veterans may qualify for both programs based on each program approval criteria.

Contact the Missouri State Approving Agency at 877-530-2765 or 573-751-1250. 

The Show-Me Heroes program phone number is   800-592-6020

What Is VA On-the-Job Training?

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is training you receive while actually performing a job and earning wages.  Approvable OJT programs must be at least six months and up to two years in length.  Some examples of OJT programs are:  welder, painter, cook, production equipment mechanic, auto mechanic, corrections officer, and parts buyer.  For more information on the amount of the monthly benefit:  VE-T Flyer.

What Is Apprenticeship Training?

Apprenticeship training is on-the-job training, coupled with 144 hours (minimum) per year of related technical instruction.  You receive your GI Bill benefit while working full time and earning wages.  Apprenticeships are normally from two to five years in length.  Registration with the Bureau of apprenticeship and Training is not mandatory for veteran benefits; however, it is recommended in order for the veteran to receive journeyman's papers upon successful completion.  Some examples of apprenticeship training programs are: electrician, ironworker, roofer, plumber, and sheet metal worker.  (These are not inclusive listings.)  

Time Limits

Approval of a program may be backdated up to one year.  As a general rule, veterans have 10 years after their separation from service to use their GI Bill benefit.  Chapter 34 GI Bill (Vietnam era) ended on December 31, 1989; however, some Chapter 34 veterans are eligible for benefits under Chapter 30.  Contact the Veterans Affairs office to determine eligibility.  

How to Begin

1. Contact the Veterans Affairs office at 888-442-4551 to determine your eligibility and to obtain the necessary application forms.
2. If you do not have a job or if you are not working in the occupation you want, contact your local Missouri Career Center.  The Veteran Representative should be able to find an employer who may offer the kind of training you need to reach the occupational objective you select.
3. Next, have your employer contact the State Approving Agency so that the necessary steps can be taken to approve the training program.  Keep in mind that not all occupations can be approved.  Contact the State Approving Agency for more information. 

The New Forever GI Bill® - The legislation eliminates  the current 15-year time limit on use of the Post 9/11 GI Bill for those who were discharged on or after Jan. 1, 2013.  For more information, click here or call 888-442-4551.

Who to Contact for Assistance

For questions regarding eligibility or benefits, contact:  

Veterans Affairs Regional Office

9700 Page Avenue, Suite 101

St. Louis, MO  63131
Toll-free 888-827-1000

Veterans and/or employers with questions regarding the eligibility or approval of a training program should contact the Veterans' Education State Approving Agency in your area.  The Missouri locations are:

Veterans' Education and Training

3024 Dupont Circle

Jefferson City, MO  65102

Phone:  573-751-1250

Toll-free:  877-530-2765

Veterans' Education and Training

7545 South Lindbergh, Suite 105 

St. Louis, MO 63125

Phone:  314-416-2124

Veterans Education and Training 

8800 E. 63rd St., Suite 150

Raytown, MO 64133

Phone:  816-241-1705

Program Notes

• If you have questions concerning employment opportunities, contact the Missouri Career Center office nearest you.
• OJT and apprenticeship benefits cease if the eligible trainee reaches the completion wage prior to the end of the training program.
• Approvable training programs must have a progressive wage schedule, including a beginning wage, an increase and an ending wage reflecting an increase over the amount of the first increase.  City, county, and state OJT programs may be exempted from these requirements.
• Eligible trainees must provide a copy of their DD-214 or Notice of Basic Entitlement (NOBE) for Guard members and reservists.
• Eligible trainees will not quality for benefits if they were previously trained for the job objective.  Applicable prior credit for previous training must be reported per VA certification with proportionate program length adjustments.

Resources: 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 

‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."