Education & Training
Education & Training
By law, the GDVS is designated as the State Approving Agency (SAA), responsible for approving and supervising all institutions and establishments in Georgia that offer education and training under the provisions of the Veterans Educational Assistance Program.
Within the GDVS, the SAA function is performed by the Veterans Education & Training Division.
This division is responsible for ensuring that approved institutions and establishments meet and maintain acceptable standards so that eligible persons who attend may receive educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
These programs must have SAA approval before veterans and other eligible persons may receive educational benefits (GI Bill®) from VA under the authority of Title 38, U.S. Code and Chapter 1606 Title 10.
Federal and state laws require stringent regulatory compliance of all institutions and establishments approved for veterans attendance. The responsibilities of approval, annual inspections, and ensuring corrective action when necessary, constitute a vital function of the Georgia SAA.
The SAA has the function of ensuring educational institutions and establishments meet and maintain acceptable standards so eligible persons who attend may receive educational assistance from VA. This includes all public and private schools and all establishments offering apprenticeship and other on-the-job training.
The satisfactory performance of these duties requires SAA personnel to have extensive knowledge in education administration and a full understanding of the laws and regulations that govern and control the Veterans Educational Assistance Program.
For further information concerning approved universities, colleges, technical and trade schools; flight schools; correspondence schools; apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs, contact the SAA staff.
Contact: 404-656-2306 or [email protected].
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship training is similar to OJT, but includes theoretical instruction as well as practical training. While learning a trade as an "apprentice," the veteran is taught by a skilled worker, a "journeyman." Once approved, the veteran receives VA education benefits while working full-time and earning wages.
Apprenticeship programs differ from OJT in that they are normally two or more years in length. They require a minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction per year. The employer, local technical college, union, or the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship Training usually provides classroom instruction.
The SAA approves non-registered programs. Both the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship Training and the SAA approve registered apprenticeship programs. Some examples of approved programs are carpenter, electrician, brick mason, and plumber.
The full list of approved on-the-job training programs is maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is available online through VA's WEAMS institution search tool.
On-the-Job Training Programs
On-the-Job Training Programs
On-the-Job (OJT) programs may be approved for a wide variety of entry-level jobs. Once approved, a veteran participates in the OJT program while working under the employer's supervision. The veteran receives monthly VA education benefits in addition to regular salary.
In order to apply, a veteran must be employed full-time with an employer who can provide training in a bona fide trade or skill in which the veteran is not already qualified.
The full list of approved on-the-job training programs is maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is available online through VA's WEAMS institution search tool.