# Warriors to Workforce Act

This bill makes it easier for veterans to get paid while they're learning a trade through apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs. Specifically, it increases the amount of money the Department of Veterans Affairs gives to veterans during their first year in these hands-on training programs.

Right now, veterans using their education benefits for apprenticeships receive 80 percent of the full monthly benefit amount during that crucial first year. This bill bumps that up to 90 percent. While that might sound like a small change, it means veterans get an extra 10 percent of their monthly stipend when they're just starting out—exactly when they might need the money most. Many apprenticeships pay lower wages in the beginning while trainees are learning, so this boost helps cover living expenses during that lean startup period.

The practical effect is straightforward: a veteran starting an electrician apprenticeship, plumbing program, or similar trade training will receive more financial support from the VA in year one. This could mean the difference between being able to afford rent and groceries while learning a skill, or having to work multiple jobs and struggle to focus on training. By making these programs more financially accessible, the bill aims to help more veterans transition into stable, well-paying careers in the skilled trades—which is why it's called the "Warriors to Workforce Act." It's designed to smooth the path from military service to civilian employment in fields where there's real demand for workers.