The United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Technicians is proud to announce that General President William Hite will receive a Distinguished Service Award from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for his role in spearheading the United Association's Veterans in Piping Program which recruits and trains men and women exiting the armed services for careers in the pipe trades.
United Association General President William P. Hite and U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis congratulate the graduates from the Veterans in Piping Program.
Approximately 2.2 million of our nation's veterans have served since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The unemployment rate for those veterans tops 11 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 have an unemployment rate of more than 20 percent, almost twice that of the veterans who served in the same era but are older, ages 25 to 34.
The United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Sprinklerfitters (UA) has partnered with the U.S. military to create the UA Veterans In Piping (VIP) Program, which provides returning vets with 16 weeks of accelerated welding training. But before that career training begins, they kick off the program with an 
additional two weeks of transitional training to help returning veterans to adjust to civilian life – a process that can be especially difficult for those who joined the military right after high school.
The training is free to veterans who are placed in construction careers nationwide, helping to replenish an aging workforce while rebuilding America’s infrastructure. Welders are in high demand nationwide, making job opportunities plentiful for welders who are well-trained and highly-skilled after their intensive training program.
With nearly 200 veterans already trained through VIP programs in Washington and California, the next site will be at Camp Williams, Wisconsin.
Many more veterans are in need of the career opportunities available through the UA VIP Program. The UA and the U.S. Military can provide a positive re-entry into civilian life, and long-term, lucrative careers for those who have served their country with bravery and honor.
As UA General President William P. Hite says, "It's the right thing to do."
