Guard Apprenticeship Program Initiative

The Guard Apprenticeship Program Initiative (GAPI) is a great way for Army National Guard and Reserve Component Soldiers to use their military skills on the way to a civilian career.

Apprenticeships combine classroom studies with on-the-job training, supervised by a trade professional or supervisor. When you complete your apprenticeship*, you’ll be fully certified to work in your chosen occupation or trade.

*Apprenticeships can require one to six years to complete (2,000 documented work hours plus 144 related instructional hours) in order to become qualified in the occupation or trade.

Working as an apprentice gives you on-the-job training and a paycheck while you earn nationally recognized certification in a specialized field.

Guard apprenticeship doesn’t just provide a job and income, but a career. For Soldiers who are unemployed or underemployed, GAPI apprenticeships can offer a way to new training and to earning higher wages.

In addition, GAPI may qualify you for Veterans Affairs (VA) and GI Bill benefits while you use your military skills and experiences to start a new career.

There are over 100 Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) approved by the Department of Labor as apprenticeship trades, including:

  • Mechanics
  • Computer networking engineers
  • Medical technicians
  • Therapists
  • Truck drivers
  • Construction engineers
  • Website developers
  • Law enforcement
  • Culinary arts/Cooks
  • Paralegals
  • Human resource specialists

A GAPI representative in your state can provide a list of all currently eligible specialties.

To learn more about how you can further your military skills in a civilian apprenticeship, visit the GAPI page at the G1 Personnel Gateway.

You can find additional information about apprenticeships at the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship FAQ page. You can also find a list of apprenticeship offices in every state.