VA Form 22-8864: Training Agreement for Apprenticeship & OJT

VA Form 22-8864: Training Agreement for Apprenticeship & OJT – Veterans and eligible persons can use their VA education benefits, including Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, while learning valuable trades through structured on-the-job training (OJT) or apprenticeship programs. VA Form 22-8864 serves as the official training agreement that formalizes the relationship between the training establishment and the trainee.

This form, revised in March 2024, helps ensure the program meets federal standards under Title 38 U.S.C. §§ 3677 and 3687 and the corresponding regulations in 38 CFR 21.4261 (apprentice courses) and 38 CFR 21.4262 (other on-the-job training). It documents the specific terms of training, wage progression, work processes, related instruction, supervision, and compliance requirements.

What Is VA Form 22-8864 and Why Is It Important?

VA Form 22-8864, titled “Training Agreement for Apprenticeship and Other On-the-Job Training Programs,” is a binding agreement between a training establishment (employer, sponsor, union, or training provider) and a veteran, eligible dependent, or Selected Reserve member.

It outlines the training program details so the trainee can receive VA education benefits while earning progressive wages from the employer. The form includes detailed training standards on the reverse side that both parties agree to follow. These standards cover supervision, safety and health training, recordkeeping, wage progression, related classroom instruction, civil rights compliance, and more.

The March 2024 version supersedes the July 2017 edition. Always use the current version. While recent regulatory updates indicate the form is no longer routinely submitted directly to VA for OMB approval purposes, it remains a key document used by training establishments, State Approving Agencies (SAAs), and certifying officials to document individual trainee agreements and support program compliance.

Who Should Use VA Form 22-8864?

This form is primarily used by:

  • Training establishments, employers, and sponsors that want to provide VA-approved apprenticeship or OJT to veterans and other eligible persons.
  • Veterans and eligible persons (including certain dependents and Selected Reserve members) enrolling in an approved program.
  • School Certifying Officials (SCOs) or designated certifying officials at approved facilities.

It is especially relevant when a veteran will use GI Bill benefits while participating in a structured training program that leads to journeyman status or a recognized credential. The trainee’s signature is required on the form.

Detailed Breakdown of VA Form 22-8864 Sections

The form is organized into clear parts:

Part I – General Training Establishment Information
Collects the name and address of the training establishment, length of the overall program, length of any probationary period, and the facility code (if already assigned).

Part II – General Trainee Information
Includes the trainee’s name, address, Social Security Number (voluntary but recommended for processing), VA file number, date of birth, job title or trade, credit for previous training or experience (critical for proper wage placement), training start date, and remaining training time. It also addresses trainee qualifications and the ratio of trainees to instructors or apprentices to journeyworkers.

Part III – Training Agreement
This core section includes:

  • A wage progression scale showing periods (e.g., 1st through 10th), number of months in each period, wage levels, and the present fully trained or journeyworker wage rate.
  • Detailed description of work processes and operations the trainee will learn, including approximate time for each.
  • Related training or instruction outside the job (curriculum units, location, and hours).
  • Signature blocks for the trainee and the designated training establishment official.

Both parties sign to confirm they will comply with the training standards printed on the form. The establishment typically keeps Copy 1 and provides Copy 2 to the trainee.

The reverse side of VA Form 22-8864 contains specific standards that form part of the agreement. There are separate but similar standards for “Other On-the-Job Training” and “Apprenticeship Training.”

Key requirements include:

  • Proper supervision and hours aligned with journeyworkers or instructors.
  • Safety and health training.
  • Maintenance of records for at least three years after completion.
  • Progressive wage schedules.
  • Related instruction (especially for apprenticeships, often aligned with Department of Labor requirements).
  • Compliance with civil rights laws.
  • Notification to VA of interruptions, terminations, or changes.

These standards help programs comply with 38 CFR 21.4261 and 21.4262. Signing the form binds the parties to these requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing and Signing VA Form 22-8864

  1. Confirm the training program is (or will be) approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) or through the VALOR Act process for registered apprenticeships.
  2. Gather information about the establishment, the specific trainee, prior credit, and the detailed training plan (work processes and related instruction).
  3. Complete Parts I and II accurately.
  4. Develop or attach the wage progression scale and work process descriptions in Part III.
  5. Review the training standards on the reverse side with all parties.
  6. Have the trainee and the authorized establishment designee sign and date the form.
  7. Distribute copies appropriately and retain records.
  8. Work with your designated certifying official to certify enrollment and monthly hours through VA systems (such as Enrollment Manager).

Contact your VA Education Liaison Representative (ELR) for assistance with completing the form.

The Role of VA Form 22-8864 in GI Bill Approved OJT and Apprenticeship Programs

Many training programs begin with employer/sponsor approval using VA Form 22-8865 (Employer’s Application to Provide Job Training), often accompanied by DOL-registered apprenticeship standards for registered programs, and VA Form 22-8794 (Designation of Certifying Official).

VA Form 22-8864 then serves as the individual training agreement for each veteran or eligible trainee. It documents the personalized terms, including credit for prior experience and the specific wage and training schedule. This agreement supports proper certification of enrollment and hours, which determines the veteran’s VA housing allowance payments.

Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify that a program is approved before the veteran begins training.

GI Bill Benefits Available for Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training

Eligible veterans, reservists, and certain dependents can receive a monthly housing allowance (based on the BAH rate for the training location) while participating in an approved program. Post-9/11 GI Bill users may also receive a books and supplies stipend.

Trainees earn wages from the employer that typically increase as skills and responsibilities grow. Full-time training is generally considered 120 hours per month. Upon successful completion, trainees often receive a certificate of completion or journeyman status.

Active-duty service members and certain spouses using transferred benefits have limitations on OJT/apprenticeship participation. Always confirm current payment rates and eligibility on VA.gov.

  • VA Form 22-8865 — Employer’s Application to Provide Job Training (used for program approval).
  • VA Form 22-8794 — Designation of Certifying Official(s).
  • VA Form 22-1990 — Application for VA Education Benefits (for the trainee if not already receiving benefits).
  • VA Form 22-1995 — Change of Place of School or Training (if needed).
  • DOL Registered Apprenticeship standards and agreements (for registered programs).

How to Download the Latest VA Form 22-8864?

Download the official March 2024 version directly from VA:

Download VA Form 22-8864 (PDF)

Official VA Form Page

Tips for Employers and Training Sponsors

  • Work closely with your State Approving Agency early in the program approval process.
  • Clearly document prior credit for experience so wage placement is accurate and fair.
  • Maintain thorough records of progress, attendance, and wages.
  • Ensure the training plan leads to a realistic job objective with reasonable certainty of employment at the end of training.
  • Designate certifying officials properly on VA Form 22-8794 and complete required SCO training.
  • For multi-state registered apprenticeship programs, explore the streamlined VALOR Act approval process.

How Veterans Can Find and Enroll in Approved Programs?

Veterans should:

  • Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to search for approved employers and programs by location or occupation.
  • Contact the employer or sponsor directly to discuss the training opportunity and complete VA Form 22-8864.
  • Apply for VA education benefits (if not already receiving them) and provide a Certificate of Eligibility to the certifying official.
  • Work with the employer’s certifying official for monthly hour certifications.

Additional Resources and Official Guidance

Here are trusted, current resources for veterans, employers, and sponsors:

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 22-8864

Is VA Form 22-8864 still required in 2026?
Yes. While it may no longer be submitted directly to VA in all cases, it remains the standard training agreement used by employers and trainees to document terms and demonstrate compliance with VA standards.

Does the form need to be submitted to VA?
In most cases, the completed agreement stays with the training establishment and trainee. It supports the approval and certification process managed by SAAs and certifying officials.

Can I get credit for prior experience?
Yes. Clearly document prior training or experience in Part II so the trainee is placed at the correct wage level and training time is adjusted accordingly.

Where can I get help completing the form?
Contact your VA Education Liaison Representative (ELR) or your State Approving Agency. Many SAAs provide guidance and templates.

This guide is based on official VA sources and current regulations. Requirements and processes can vary by state and program type. Always verify the latest information directly on VA.gov or with your SAA or ELR before completing or submitting any forms. Using the most current version of VA Form 22-8864 (March 2024) helps ensure smooth processing and compliance.