A U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) program, ApprenticeshipUSA offers companies the tools needed to develop a highly skilled workforce and provides veterans the opportunity to earn a salary while learning additional skills necessary to succeed in high-demand civilian careers.

It offers other veteran career transition initiatives, including the Veteran Employment Transition (VET) Internship Program, American Corporate Partners mentorships, and scholarships and emergency grants via Scholarship America.

Adding to that, earlier in 2017 during National Military Appreciation Month, San Francisco, CA-headquartered Wells Fargo launched its own ApprenticeshipUSA program for veterans, making it one of the first financial industry services companies to offer the program to vets.

“Our commitment to hiring veterans remains a top priority for Wells Fargo,” says Carly Sanchez, executive vice president, head of talent acquisition strategy and delivery at Wells Fargo.

“The ApprenticeshipUSA program is an excellent resource for us to attract and retain eligible veterans who have strong leadership competencies and other skills, but may not have strong financial industry knowledge.”

ApprenticeshipUSA allows eligible veterans to use their GI Bill education benefits to receive a tax-free monthly payment. The Post-9/11 GI Bill payment is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an enlisted rank five (E-5) with dependents (varies by employer location).

It’s paid by the government in addition to the wages earned as an apprentice, and veterans receive a payment for every month of their apprenticeship. After six months of a veteran’s apprenticeship, the payment is gradually reduced - and is offset by progressive wage increases.

The ApprenticeshipUSA Program was being piloted in the company’s community bank, consumer lending, and payments, virtual solutions and innovation divisions. For more information about the pilot and where to apply, please visit wellsfargojobs.com/military.

“Wells Fargo is committed to hiring and retaining military veterans, veterans with disabilities, National Guard members and eservists. We support veterans transitioning from military service with a variety of job options, confidential resources, educational information and career guidance,” says the web page.

“At Wells Fargo, you’ll find a culture that is team-oriented, collaborative, structured and challenging. Our Veteran’s Team Member Network is made up of thousands who share an interest in veterans’ matters, and promotes greater awareness and job development within the veteran community.”