Werner Enterprises is extending its Professional Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program from 12 to 24 months, after getting approval from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The extension allows eligible veterans who have the post-9/11 GI Bill to receive up to $22,555.20 of their tax-free education benefits while driving for Werner in addition to their normal pay. The program was initiated by Werner and approved by the Department of Labor and VA in 2006.

“Extending our apprenticeship program is another opportunity for Werner to support and thank our country’s veterans for their service,” said Derek Leathers, president and COO. “It will help veterans gain financial stability as they transition out of the military and into a new career path as a professional driver.”

Werner has hired more than 6,000 veterans since 2012 and more than 300 veteran spouses since May 2013, the company says. Werner made a pledge in 2012 under the White House campaign Joining Forces to hire 1,000 veterans per year for the next five years.

This year, Werner pledged to hire 2,200 veterans and 200 veteran spouses.