Transitioning out of the military is a major life shift, and many veterans turn to trade school as the next step toward a stable, meaningful post-military career.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers structured, skills-focused training that aligns well with the hands-on mindset many veterans bring from their service.1
The GI Bill® can help make training more accessible by covering tuition, housing, supplies and other education-related expenses.21
Below, we’ll break down why trade school is a strong fit for veterans, how different GI Bill® chapters work and how programs like SkillBridge can help ease the transition from active duty to hands-on training.
Why Trade School Is a Smart Move for Veterans
Trade schools offer a streamlined pathway toward high-demand career fields — often with shorter training times and a more direct route into the workforce than traditional four-year colleges. For many veterans, this structure aligns closely with the way they learned and worked in the military.
Military-acquired skills transfer well to the trades. Experience with discipline, troubleshooting, teamwork and technical systems often translates naturally into fields like automotive, diesel, welding, electrical, HVACR, aviation, robotics and industrial technology.
Programs are hands-on and accelerated. Rather than spending years in general education courses, students jump quickly into practical training that mirrors real job tasks. This faster timeline can help veterans start earning sooner and move toward long-term goals without delaying their entry into the civilian workforce.
Direct pathways toward career outcomes. Many institutions — UTI included — design training around industry needs and collaborate with employers to help students pursue jobs after graduation. This alignment between training and workforce demand can be especially appealing for veterans who want a structured, skills-forward career path.1
Understanding Your GI Bill® Benefit Options
Below is a high-level overview of commonly used VA education benefits.20 Each program supports different types of learners and circumstances.
Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
VR&E (Chapter 31) is designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities who may need support preparing for, finding and maintaining employment. Depending on eligibility, benefits may cover tuition, books and supplies and other approved training costs. Participants work with a VR&E counselor, and training is typically authorized through a VAF 28-1905 form.
Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) is one of the most widely used education benefits. Eligible veterans may receive tuition support, a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. Trade schools that participate in this program — such as UTI — can accept these benefits toward approved programs.21
Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
DEA (Chapter 35) provides education benefits to the spouses and dependents of eligible veterans. These benefits may help cover the cost of career training programs, including those offered in skilled trades.
Bridging the Gap Between Active Duty and a New Trade
Transition programs help service members begin career training before or immediately after separation, smoothing the move from military service into the trades.
Many schools — including UTI — participate in the SkillBridge program, which allows eligible service members to begin civilian career training during their final months of active duty.
UTI offers SkillBridge participation through approved transition pathways, including:
- Technician Skills Program (TSP): In response to the demand for trained diesel truck technicians, Penske Premier Truck Group teamed with UTI to support technician training delivered by UTI instructors.
- Military Service Technician Education Program (MSTEP): BMW North America and UTI collaborate to support BMW Technician training conducted by UTI’s BMW-certified instructors.
If you’re planning to use VA benefits at UTI, you’ll typically need to20:
- Obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirming your benefit type and remaining entitlement.
- Provide required documentation such as a VAF 28-1905 if using Chapter 31 VR&E.
- Work with UTI’s military and veteran support teams to ensure your enrollment and benefit processing stays on track.
Trade School for Veterans — Build Career Skills!
Veterans don’t have to navigate the transition alone. GI Bill® benefits can help financially support hands-on training, so you can get career-ready for an in-demand, post-military career.18
Request more information by clicking the button below or by dialing 1-800-834-7308. One of our Admissions Representatives will reach out and go over our program, local campuses and how to apply.
If you’re ready, don’t wait! Apply here today.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.