VA Form 22-8865: Employer’s Job Training Application Guide

VA Form 22-8865: Employer’s Job Training Application Guide – Employers across the United States who want to offer meaningful On-the-Job Training (OJT) or apprenticeship opportunities to veterans and eligible dependents can use VA Form 22-8865. This official form allows training establishments to apply for VA approval so participants can receive GI Bill benefits while earning wages and gaining valuable skills.

Getting your program approved helps you attract and retain talented veterans, demonstrates your commitment to supporting those who served, and positions your business as a veteran-friendly employer.

What Is VA Form 22-8865?

VA Form 22-8865, titled Employer’s Application to Provide Job Training (Under Title 38 U.S. Code Section 3677 or 3687), is the primary application used by employers to request VA approval for their job training programs. The current version is dated March 2024 and carries OMB Control Number 2900-0342 (expiration 03/31/2027).

This form collects essential details about your company and the specific training program, including job title, program length, wage progression, instructor availability, and maximum number of trainees. By signing, you certify that your program meets federal standards for supervision, record-keeping, wage progression, and veteran support.

Official Download:
Download VA Form 22-8865 (PDF)

Who Should Submit VA Form 22-8865?

Use this form if you are an employer (private company, public entity, or federal agency) seeking to provide:

  • On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Structured training in a specific trade, craft, or occupation

Veterans and eligible dependents (spouses, children) can then use their GI Bill benefits while participating in your approved program. The training must lead to a specific job objective with reasonable certainty of employment afterward.

Note: VA approves programs for federal agencies directly. All other programs (most private and state/local employers) are approved through your state’s State Approving Agency (SAA).

Purpose and Benefits of Getting Your Program VA-Approved

VA approval allows eligible veterans to receive monthly GI Bill payments while training with you. This creates a win-win:

  • For employers: Access to motivated, skilled veterans; potential tax advantages; stronger recruitment pipeline.
  • For veterans: Paid training + GI Bill benefits without depleting Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement as quickly in some cases.
  • For your business: Demonstrates support for the military community and can improve retention.

Approved programs appear in the official GI Bill Comparison Tool, making it easier for veterans to find and choose your organization.

Check the GI Bill Comparison Tool

Key Requirements and Certifications

When you sign VA Form 22-8865, you agree to several important conditions (detailed in the form’s certification section). These include:

  • Providing close supervision by qualified journey-level workers throughout the program.
  • Maintaining detailed records for each trainee (job assignments, progress evaluations at least every 3 months, hours in each work process, pay rates, etc.).
  • Granting appropriate credit for prior training or experience and adjusting the training length and wage scale accordingly.
  • Ensuring beginning wages for VA trainees are at least 50% of the full journeyworker wage (with periodic increases).
  • For most non-government OJT programs: Wages must reach at least 85% of the full journeyworker wage by the final month of training.
  • Guaranteeing reasonable certainty that the trained job will be available to the veteran after completion.
  • Not submitting enrollment certifications for individuals already fully qualified for the position.
  • Providing a copy of the approved training agreement to both the trainee and VA.
  • Immediately notifying VA of any wage changes not in accordance with the approved agreement.
  • Consenting to inspections and visits by VA and SAA representatives.
  • Accepting potential liability for overpayments resulting from false certifications or failure to report changes.

These requirements are rooted in 38 U.S.C. Sections 3677 and 3687 and corresponding regulations (primarily 38 CFR 21.4261 for apprenticeships and 38 CFR 21.4262 for other OJT).

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing VA Form 22-8865

  1. Download the current form from the official link above.
  2. Section I – Employer Identification: Provide your establishment name, contact person (with email), telephone, physical location address, and mailing address (if different).
  3. Section II – Description of Training Program:
    • Job title and brief description.
    • Total length of program (in hours or months).
    • Standard workweek hours.
    • Annual hours of related classroom/training required (or “None”).
    • Number of fully qualified instructors/supervisors available per trainee.
    • Maximum number of trainees you can accommodate at one time.
  4. Section III – Wage Progression Scale:
    • Beginning wage for trainees.
    • Current journeyworker wage.
    • Complete the wage progression table showing wage levels across training periods (typically 6–10 steps).
  5. Review and Sign the Certifications: Carefully read all conditions before signing and dating. The signer should have authority to commit the organization.

Tip: For DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, attach your official apprenticeship standards and appendices instead of creating a completely new wage schedule.

Most applications require additional materials:

  • Detailed training outline or work processes (tasks to be learned and time allocated to each).
  • For federal employers: Copy of position description and USAJobs announcement.
  • VA Form 22-8864 – Training Agreement for Apprenticeship and Other On-the-Job Training Programs (completed for each veteran trainee after program approval).
  • VA Form 22-8794 – Designation of Certifying Official(s) (identifies who will report enrollment and progress to VA).
  • DOL Registered Apprenticeship Standards (if applicable).

Helpful Resource:
Federal Employer OJT & Apprenticeship Approval Information

How and Where to Submit VA Form 22-8865?

For most employers (non-federal):
Contact your State Approving Agency (SAA). The SAA reviews and approves programs in your state. Start here:

Find Your State Approving Agency (NASAA Contacts)

For federal agencies:
Submit the complete package (VA Form 22-8865 + supporting documents) to:
[email protected]

The form’s older instructions mention submitting to a VA office or Education Liaison Representative (ELR). In current practice, your SAA is the correct first point of contact for non-federal programs.

Processing times vary by state and completeness of your application. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delays.

Tips for a Successful VA Form 22-8865 Application

  • Work with your SAA early — many offer guidance or pre-review.
  • Align your wage progression and training outline with realistic journeyworker wages in your industry and location.
  • If you operate a DOL-registered apprenticeship, highlight this — it often streamlines approval.
  • Clearly document how you will give credit for prior military or civilian experience.
  • Keep copies of everything submitted.
  • Designate reliable certifying officials who understand VA reporting requirements.

Maintaining Approval and Compliance

Once approved, your program receives a facility code and appears in VA systems. You must:

  • Use the approved training agreement for each veteran.
  • Maintain required records.
  • Report changes in wages, program structure, ownership, or location to your SAA promptly.
  • Allow periodic compliance visits.

Failure to meet ongoing requirements can result in suspension or withdrawal of approval.

How VA-Approved Training Helps Veterans and Your Business?

Veterans gain paid, structured training plus GI Bill support while building careers. Employers gain dedicated workers who often bring strong discipline, leadership, and technical skills from military service. Many companies report higher retention rates among veterans who complete approved programs with them.

Additional Official Resources for Employers

Here are trusted, current sources to support your application and ongoing compliance:

Important: Always use the most current official versions of forms and verify details directly with your SAA or the VA. Program requirements and processes can be updated.

By completing and submitting VA Form 22-8865 correctly, you take a meaningful step toward building a stronger veteran workforce while providing high-quality, compensated training opportunities. Start by contacting your State Approving Agency today — they are your best partner in the approval process.

This guide is for informational purposes and reflects official VA information available as of 2026. For personalized assistance with your specific program, reach out directly to your SAA.