• Veteran Information

• Employer Information

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education's State Approving Agency (Veterans Education and Training Section) assists companies and organizations in developing training programs to meet US Department of Veterans Affairs approval criteria. The agency monitors program quality and the veteran's progress and wages in the program, and serves as a liaison between participants and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

THE GI BILL-NOT JUST FOR COLLEGE
Many automatically think of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill in relation to a college education. But the educational benefits may also be used for training in the workplace. Eligible veterans, members of the selected reserves and National Guard, and dependents of certain service-connected disabled or deceased veterans may be able to receive these tax free-benefits for training on the job.  

TRAINING IN THE WORKPLACE
Under On–The-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Program (APR), newly–hired or promoted individuals eligible for GI Bill educational benefits can receive a monthly subsistence check while learning work processes, methodologies, equipment, company/agency policies, and skills under the direct supervision of a skilled trainer. Individuals perform according to training outlines developed from US Department of Labor standards, industry standards, and the company’s job description for the position. The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education is the state agency that approves On-The Job and Apprenticeship training programs in South Carolina. This page explains (OJT) and Apprenticeship and the potential benefits for veterans and their employers. Within this site, individuals eligible for GI Bill Benefits will be collectively referred to as "veterans".

WHAT IS OJT?
On-The-Job Training (OJT) programs normally range from six months to two years in length. While receiving GI Bill benefits, eligible employees are in training, performing a new job, and earning wages. In South Carolina, positions in law enforcement, corrections/detention, public safety , administrative support, retail management, substance abuse, medical and emergency services, municipal and county offices, and funeral services are some examples of currently approved OJT programs.

WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP? 
An apprenticeship (APR), usually from two to five years in length, is generally an industry-sponsored system that offers hands-on and theoretical training (minimum 144 hours of classroom instruction) in highly skilled occupations. In South Carolina, there are many apprenticeship programs leading to jobs such as electrician, plumber, automotive mechanic, firefighter-medic.