The members of Camp Lejeune Welding Class 32 recently completed their United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) training and graduated from the program. Once they transition out of the military, they will begin new, rewarding civilian careers in the pipe trades.
A DoW SkillBridge program, the UA VIP is open to transitioning active-duty service members who will be in their 180-day transition window when the course begins and ends.
Welding instructors Gregory Abrams and Rachel Lablance led Class 32 through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in the shop. By graduation, the class had developed the basic welding skills needed to step onto a jobsite with confidence.
Where Our Graduates Are Going
All UA VIP graduates are guaranteed a job and direct entry into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship. Working with program administrators, each Class 32 graduate identified the area in which they will begin their civilian careers.
In the coming months, Camp Lejeune Welding Class 32 graduates will relocate to the following areas to join these UA Local Unions:
- Atlanta – UA Local 72
- Portland, Ore. – UA Local 290
- San Antonio – UA Local 142
- Sheffield, Ala. – UA Local 760
- Spokane, Wash. – UA Local 44
A Proven Pathway: UA VIP
For more than a decade, the UA VIP Program has helped transitioning active-duty service members prepare for well-paying, in-demand civilian careers without using their G.I. Bill.
During the 118-day, 720-hour curriculum, students learn basic pipe trade skills in one of three crafts: HVACR, welding or sprinkler fitter.
Once VIP participants graduate and transition out of the military, they enter the UA's five-year Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they will continue to build on their newly acquired skill set without taking on student debt.
VIP graduates are also guaranteed jobs with a UA signatory contractor in an agreed-upon geographic location. As new UA members, they can count on good wages, excellent full-family medical insurance and great retirement benefits.
The UA VIP Program operates nine programs on seven bases throughout the U.S.
Leading the charge
Abrams said the members of Class 32 displayed an exceptional work ethic throughout their time in the program.
“They were a very hardworking bunch of Marines,” he said. “Tip of the spear to them.”
Support In and Out of the Shop
For Welding Class 32 graduate and Marine Cpl. Abisai Cordero Ramon, the support from the instructors made the experience.
“The overall experience was amazing. Greg and Rachel were both there for me, even when it wasn't work-related material,” said Cordero Ramon.
Advice for Future VIP Students From a Graduate
Marine Cpl. Devin Schreech kept his advice short and practical for anyone considering the UA VIP welding program.
“Start watching welding videos,” he said. “Be ready to work quickly.”
Coming in with some familiarity and expecting a fast pace will help future students get the most out of 118 days in the shop.
However, no experience in any of the pipe trades crafts is necessary to apply.
Congratulations, Camp Lejeune Welding Class 32
Graduation is a big milestone, but the real work starts on the jobsite. The graduates of Welding Class 32 showed up, put in the hours and have taken a major step toward a rewarding civilian career after they transition out of the military.
Congratulations to the Class 32 graduates. The UA family is proud of your accomplishment and looks forward to seeing you on future jobsites.
Interested in the UA VIP Program at Camp Lejeune? Visit uavip.org/lejeune to learn more about welding training opportunities for transitioning active duty service members at Camp Lejeune.
Inspired by the graduates of Welding Class 32? Read about the success of Camp Lejeune Welding Class 31 or Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 27.
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