Tech companies often hire veterans straight out of the military. Apprenticeships for veterans in tech are designed to support transitioning service members back into civilian life. Veterans are encouraged to explore apprenticeship opportunities, which offer hands-on training and access to many different jobs across industries. With strong technical skills, veterans can increase their employability and launch rewarding careers.
From the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to private employers, military apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training programs are available across the United States. Organizations and industry partners assist veterans by providing resources and assistance throughout the apprenticeship process, helping with registration, program updates, and benefits enrollment. These organizations value military experience and military service, recognizing how the skills gained can be leveraged in civilian careers through apprenticeship opportunities.
If you’ve ever dreamed about working at Amazon or another tech leader, here are veteran-focused apprenticeships that can set you up for success. Once you know what you’re interested in, you can use the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to confirm program approval and estimate your benefits.1
Key Takeaways
- VA-approved apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT) programs allow veterans to earn while they learn, often with financial support from the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- For apprenticeships, the monthly housing allowance (MHA) is based on the Department of Defense Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents at the training location, and it decreases on a set schedule over time.
- The GI Bill also provides veterans up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies.
- Veterans can pursue apprenticeships in skilled trades as well as tech fields such as software development, cyber security, and cloud computing.
- Major tech employers—including Amazon, IBM, and Accenture—offer structured apprenticeship pathways for veterans.
What Is the VA Apprenticeship Program?
The VA apprenticeship and OJT program helps military veterans gain skills in civilian careers while receiving monthly benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.2 These are often registered apprenticeship programs, which provide a structured pathway for veterans to transition into civilian careers and leverage their military experience. These benefits include:
- A monthly housing allowance.
- Up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies.
- A payment schedule that decreases as you progress through your apprenticeship: 100 percent for the first six months, 80 percent for months seven to 12, 60 percent for months 13–18, 40 percent for months 19–24, and 20 percent thereafter.3
Veterans can apply these benefits toward VA-approved programs listed in the GI Bill Comparison Tool.1 To receive full benefits, veterans must complete all requirements of the registered apprenticeship.
Types of Apprenticeships for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees a myriad of Registered Apprenticeship programs across industries.4 Apprenticeships follow an “earn and learn” model, requiring participants to work full-time while training in a skilled trade or technical field.
Trade Apprenticeships
Veterans may pursue apprenticeships in fields such as:
- Carpentry
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Automotive repair
- Law enforcement or emergency response
Trade apprenticeships typically last one to four years and prepare graduates for licensed or certified careers.
Tech Apprenticeships
For those interested in technology, apprenticeships are available in areas such as:
- Software engineering
- Web development
- Data analytics
- Cyber security
- Cloud computing
These programs often combine classroom training with paid employment, giving veterans the opportunity to develop advanced technical skills while earning a salary.
Types of Tech Apprenticeships
- Software Engineering: Work with engineers and developers to design and build software applications.
- Data Analytics: Learn to query databases, analyze information, and support decision-making.
- Web Development: Gain front-end and back-end skills using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Cyber security: Train in security principles, penetration testing, and network defense.
- Cloud Computing: Learn to manage and secure cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure.
Top Paid Apprenticeships for Veterans
Company/Program | Type of Apprenticeship | Funding Eligibility | Benefits |
Amazon5 | Roles include Software Development Engineer, Solutions Architect, Cloud Support Associate, and more | GI Bill eligible | Paid training, certifications, MHA benefits, potential full-time roles |
Accenture6 | Web development, software development, data analytics | Contact training provider for details | Paid learning, mentoring, employment opportunities |
IBM7 | Apprenticeships across tech fields; free training via IBM SkillsBuild | SkillsBuild is free; apprenticeship eligibility varies | DOL-recognized apprenticeship, certifications, tailored pathways |
Franklin Apprenticeships8 | Network Engineering | Contact training provider | Mentorship, CompTIA pathways, employer partnerships |
NEW Apprenticeship9 | IT, data analytics, cloud, digital marketing | Employer/ZIP-based VA approval varies | Coaching, mentoring, portfolio development |
Additional option: Apprenti runs DOL-registered apprenticeships and is VA-approved for GI Bill benefits, allowing eligible veterans to collect MHA while in paid training.10
As of August 2025, they are not currently accepting new applicants, but check their website or contact their team today for the most up-to-date information.
Veteran Apprenticeship Salary
Apprentices receive both employer wages and—if eligible—VA housing benefits (MHA). Wage rates vary depending on role, location, and employer standards. For illustrative context:
- Software Developer Apprenticeship: As of August 2025, ZipRecruiter reports a national average of $111,845 per year, or about $53.77 per hour.11 Salary ranges typically span from $90,000 (25th percentile) to $130,000 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching approximately $151,500 annually.11
- Entry-Level Software Developer Apprenticeship jobs: Listings show salary ranges between $63,000 and $130,000 per year.12
It’s important to note that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not separately track wages for apprentices. Instead, their data includes both apprentices and fully qualified workers in occupation-wide wage statistics. They report many apprenticeship-related roles—especially in construction trades—offer wages above the national average.13
How to Use the GI Bill for a Veteran Apprenticeship
- Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to confirm program approval.
- Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
- Sign a training agreement with your employer.
- Work full-time and attend related training while your employer reports hours to the VA.
- Receive monthly MHA and books/supplies benefits if eligible.
Active-duty service members can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for training, but will not receive MHA or the books/supplies stipend while on active duty.
How to Prepare for a Veteran Apprenticeship
- Coding bootcamps: Many bootcamps accept GI Bill benefits and connect graduates to apprenticeships.
- Internships: These can lead directly into apprenticeships at the same company.
- Trade schools: Earn certifications to qualify for apprenticeships in specific industries.
- Vocational training: Technical courses in IT, programming, or engineering can make apprenticeship entry easier.
Is a Veteran Apprenticeship Worth It?
Yes. Apprenticeships can provide a structured path into civilian careers, combining paid training with financial support through the GI Bill. Veterans benefit from up-to-date industry knowledge and a smoother transition into the workforce.
Apprenticeships for Veterans FAQ
Major employers such as Amazon, IBM, and Accenture, along with intermediaries like Apprenti, Franklin, and NEW Apprenticeship, offer paid programs for veterans.
Yes. The VA pays MHA based on local BAH rates for an E-5 with dependents, along with up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies, for approved programs.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is generally the best option for apprenticeships because it covers MHA and books/supplies in addition to tuition.
You can use it after leaving active duty or if otherwise eligible for GI Bill benefits. Spouses and dependents may also qualify under certain conditions.
Sources
1 https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
3 https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/post-9-11-gi-bill-rates/
4 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/apprenticeship
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
5 https://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/teams/amazon-web-services/technical-apprenticeships
6 https://www.accenture.com/us-en/careers/local/military-veterans
7 https://www.ibm.com/careers/blog/the-ibm-apprenticeship-program-no-degree-no-problem
8 https://franklinskills.com/network-engineering/
9 https://newapprenticeship.com/veterans/
10 https://apprenticareers.org/career-seeker/apprenti-veteran-services/
11 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Software-Developer-Apprenticeship-Salary
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
