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UA Veteran's in Piping Program Expands to Camp Lejeune

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada and Australia (UA) is pleased to announce that the UA’s Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program has expanded to its sixth location at Camp Lejeune, where accelerated training in welding will be offered to transitioning active-duty Marine personnel. The first incoming class will begin training on July 14th and graduate from the program in November.

The VIP Program offers high-quality skills training and jobs in the pipe trades to active duty military personnel preparing to leave the service. Participants in the program receive 18 weeks of accelerated skills training in either welding or HVACR, and earn industry-recognized certifications and college credit as part of their training. Upon graduation, participants gain direct entry into UA apprenticeship programs, which are recognized in the industry as the best in the business.

The UA launched the VIP program in 2008, and in 2011 UA General President Bill Hite accepted the Military Officers Association of America’s Distinguished Service Award on behalf of the program.  For General President Hite, “it’s the right thing to do” to help soldiers returning home find meaningful employment at a time when unemployment rates among veterans remain much too high.

“These men and women have given so much to their country, and we want to reward them with a lifelong career after their service,” said General President Hite.

Micheal Hazard, UA Training Specialist who oversees the VIP Program, stated, “I am excited about this first class of participants in the accelerated welding program at Camp Lejeune. As a veteran myself, I know what it feels like to transition out of the military, and I know how much of a help this program is for service members entering back into civilian life. We are proud to offer this program to our nation’s heroes and we consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to provide them with a path to a good job and a means to support their families.”

The VIP Program has been recognized as one of the leading programs in the country for assisting veterans. The UA places 100% of VIP graduates in quality jobs with good pay, along with healthcare and retirement benefits. The training these service members receive is absolutely free; all funding comes from the United Association International Training Fund, a joint labor-management fund.

The program is currently being offered at Camp Lejeune (NC), Camp Pendleton (CA), Joint Base Lewis-McChord (WA), Fort Carson (CO), and Fort Hood (TX), with a new program starting up at Fort Campbell (KY) in October of this year.

To learn more about the VIP program, visit About UA VIP.

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada and Australia (UA) represents 370,000 skilled piping professionals in North America and Australia.  The UA established the first nationally registered joint apprenticeship program in the United States, dating back to 1936. With the VIP Program, the UA has partnered with the U.S. military to help improve the lives of returning veterans, their families and the national economy.

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