“The UA VIP program is a prototype that will revolutionize the way in which returning veterans are reintegrated into the civilian sector.”
- Major General (Ret.) Matt Caulfield
For information on how you can help support our veterans through the UA VIP program, please email Rick S. Terven Sr.
Rick S. Terven Sr. Executive Vice President
Three Park Place
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
t. 410.269.2000
e. rickt@uanet.org
Our veterans deserve the UA’s support – and our UA VIP Program needs yours.
Pentagon data reveals that more than 1.6 million military personnel have been deployed to the Middle East since the war in Afghanistan began in late 2001. Yet, as many of our younger veterans return home, they are facing an unemployment rate that is significantly higher than those of non-veterans in the same age group.
Our answer: the UA VIP Program.
To facilitate the career training of as many returning veterans as possible, the UA and the U.S. Military have created an infrastructure of mobile training facilities, online studies, accelerated training and other educational options.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has said that 450,000 welders will be needed nationwide by 2014. One of the UA VIP programs is a 16-week accelerated welding course that offers veterans the opportunity to quickly re-enter the workforce with solid skills and a sustainable career.
As a Legislator - What can you do?
Currently, UA members voluntarily fund training programs, including the UA VIP program. Funding is provided by a per hour contribution from members’ wages. Membership contributions can only cover training for a limited number of veterans. We would like to offer training to many more – but in order to do so, we need your support!
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 14-08 states: “With the additional workforce funding provided in the Recovery Act, ….the workforce system will play a vital role in America’s economic recovery by assisting workers who are facing unprecedented challenges to retool their skills and re-establish themselves in viable career paths.” In addition, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has encouraged the integration of stimulus funds into“transformational efforts” to improve the effectiveness of the public workforce system.
We believe that the UA VIP program is a “transformational effort” for our veterans. And, to that end, we are requesting that you consider apportioning a percentage of the stimulus funds that you appropriate.
When talking about helping our veterans get good jobs, UA General President William P. Hite expressed - “It’s the right thing to do.”
Veterans deserve the right to a reliable and profitable career!