In their last six months of service to the country, members of Fort Carson Welding Class 26 have begun learning accelerated welding skills in preparation for their civilian careers.
Fort Carson is one of seven bases that is home to the United Association Veterans In Piping (UA VIP) program, a DOD SkillBridge program.
Despite being a disciplined and highly-trainable population, military members often face high unemployment rates after leaving the service. The UA VIP program was created to aid veterans as they transition from the military into civilian life.
Since 2008, the program has helped hundreds of veterans successfully find a career in the pipe trades, and the members of Fort Carson Welding Class 26 students will soon work alongside them.
U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Lefevre is excited about the benefits and career opportunities the UA VIP program will soon provide him.
“I was attracted to the UA VIP program because I knew they were known for hands-on training, job placement and good union health care,” Lefevre said.
Upon completing 18 weeks of UA VIP training and transitioning out of the service, active-duty service members are admitted to a UA Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program and also go to work for a UA signatory contractor. Once they begin their guaranteed job, they will earn good union wages, quality health insurance and a 401K and pension plan for their retirement.
Prior to that time, the members of Fort Carson Welding Class 26 will learn the fundamentals of welding while obtaining industry-recognized certifications.
“My goals for the UA VIP program are to pass all possible welding certifications and understand the mathematics and calculations involved in welding,” Lefevre said.
Through the use of classroom instruction and hands-on training, students work alongside journeyman instructors to obtain certifications, which may include oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plat welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
Students will also learn how to correctly read blueprints in order to accurately measure, cut and weld as they install, maintain and repair all types of piping systems using various tools and methods.
“Once I finish my time in the military, I want to complete my apprenticeship, journey out and take on leadership roles that will hopefully lead me to a training role in the future,” Lefevre added.
Discover your future in the pipe trades
If you preparing to transition out and end your military service in the near future, click here to explore the opportunities the UA VIP program can provide.
Active-duty service members preparing for their civilian career after their time in the military are invited to apply to the UA VIP program. Training is available in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at select military bases around the county.
Veterans transitioning out of the military can apply to the locations listed below:
- Camp Pendleton, California
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Fort Carson, Colorado
- Fort Cavazos, Texas
- Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
- Fort Campbell, Kentucky
- Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
Over the last decade, more than two million men and women have served and sacrificed for our nation, and despite the skills they developed, veteran unemployment is still a significant issue in the U.S.
Veterans should not have to struggle to find a good paying job after sacrificing their lives for our nation. Discover how you can find a lucrative career with quality health and retirement benefits.
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