NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP

Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program.

Camp Lejeune Welding Class 27 halfway through VIP training

Camp Lejeune Welding Class 27 students have reached the halfway point of their advanced training in the UA VIP program. 

The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition into a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades. 

Since Class 27 started in August, these active-duty service members have been preparing to become future welding apprentices. 

Class 27 students will spend the rest of their time in the UA VIP program learning and expanding their welding skills from journeymen instructors Greg Abrams and Rachel Lablance through hands-on training and classroom instruction. 

Before they graduate, Class 27 students will learn oxy-fuel cutting, as well as SMAW and GTAW welding on both plate and pipe. 

Recently, Welding Class 27 students chose an agreed-upon UA Local Union in an area where they want to live to start their apprenticeship after transitioning out of the military. 

Marine Cpl. Alexander Knipp will relocate to Chicago where he will begin his apprenticeship with Pipefitters Local 597

Marine Staff. Sgt. Jeremy Gadon will begin his apprenticeship with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 452 in Lexington, Ky. 

Other Class 27 students will move to various parts of Texas, New Hampshire and Washington D.C. to begin their apprenticeship programs. 

All graduates of Welding Class 27 will gain direct entry into a UA-registered apprenticeship program, where they will continue to learn and improve their welding skills. 

The UA VIP program offers 118 days of accelerated training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following military bases:

Graduate from VIP program with a job 

The UA VIP program has helped thousands of U.S. service members begin a financially stable and rewarding career through the UA since it was created in 2008. 

After Welding Class 27 students graduate from the program and transition out of the military, they will join a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program and go to work for a UA signatory contractor. 

Welding Class 27 students will earn a livable wage, along with full-family healthcare and retirement benefits. Eventually, apprentices will top out and become experienced journeymen, which will open more career paths with the potential for further advancement in the piping industry. 

Individuals with strong, hands-on problem-solving skills are in high demand and the UA VIP program is dedicated to fulfilling this need. If you are interested in learning more, visit the UA VIP website. 

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