b'What is the UA?ua.org Follow us on Twitter @UAPipeTrades and Instagram @unitedassociationhq. Download our Mobile App: Open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for United Association, and select Install/Get to download. Like our United Association Facebook page. Connect with us on LinkedIn (United Association of Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Technicians). The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), affiliated with the national building trades, represents more than 359,500 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and service technicians. And The UAs Veterans in Piping (VIP) program is an award-winning program that offers high-quality skills training and jobs in the pipe trades industry to active-duty military personnel who are preparing to leave the service. The United Association established the program in 2008 as a means of addressing two important issues: 1. A growing shortage in the construction industry of skilled workers due to the combined effects of an aging workforce, in-creased demand, and lack of skills training for youth; and 2. Despite the fact that U.S. veterans are disciplined and highly trainable, they continue to experience an exceedingly high unemployment rate upon transitioning from the military. We are here to combat that. www.uavip.orgHow Does the VIP Program Work? Participants are selected for accelerated 18-week programs in welding/pipefitting, fire sprinkler fitting, or as serv-ice technicians for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) sectorall fields experi-encing an increased demand for skilled workers. Training is completed while on active duty prior to transitioning out of the service. Participants also earn industry-recognized certifications as part of their education. Upon grad-uation, every VIP participant is offered the opportunity to direct entry into the UAs apprenticeship program, lead-ing to lifelong career options. All training is paid for entirely by the UA and its industry partners at NO cost to participants.The VIP Program is the first in which any organization has earned the trust of the armed forces to partner in comprehensive skills training for active-duty members. As such, it is precedence setting and is a model for an The UA provides effective way to transition the armed forces into the civilian sector.all training and - Major General Matthew P. Caulfield, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)placement resources And Then? without any costs toAn apprenticeship is a mixture of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and you can also earn college credit while youre going through the apprenticeship program. It is like a college, because as a VIP graduate you the government or will receive advanced instruction preparing you for your career. But unlike a college, you will earn while you learn, meaning you will get paid while on the job. You also receive 16 college credits from Washtenaw Commu-service member! nity College in Ann Arbor, MI, for just completing the VIP program.A typical apprenticeship lasts five years, but VIP graduates usually enter at a higher level and complete their training in less time. Five years might seem like a long time, but remember you are working and earning a living. We continue to train you so that you are highly employable. That is our goalto give you the skills to have a suc-cessful lifelong career as a piping professional.Am I Eligible? The VIP program is open to military personnel preparing to leave the service and currently stationed at a partici-pating base (see index on page 15 for participating bases and contact information). You must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be physically capable of performing work. I think the VIP program is a tremendous transition for soldiers. It helps you get started in the civilian world.- VIP graduate, VIP instructor Jose Ballejo 4 opsCAREER'