--- title: Camp Pendleton UA VIP graduates prepared for civilian welding careers description: Graduates of Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 stand ready to begin their new careers as professional welders thanks to the UA VIP program. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(3)-1.jpg --- [![United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/uavip-logo.svg "United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo")](https://www.uavip.org/) UNITED ASSOCIATION VETERANS IN PIPING PROGRAM [![Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png?width=798&height=798&name=ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png "Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo")](https://www.ua.org/) Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians [Ë](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/camp-pendleton-ua-vip-graduates-prepared-for-civilian-welding-careers#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # Camp Pendleton UA VIP graduates prepared for civilian welding careers - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Mar 14, 2023 4:30:49 PM ![Camp Pendleton UA VIP graduates prepared for civilian welding careers](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(3)-1.jpg) The graduates of Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 will soon begin their new and rewarding post-military careers.  Their new careers are set thanks to the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, designed to teach transitioning active-duty service members foundational skills in the pipe trades.  ![Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 Graduation (3)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(3)-1.jpg?width=2048&height=838&name=Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(3)-1.jpg) The UA VIP program is a DOD Skillbridge program that guarantees sustainable and lucrative civilian careers to transitioning active-duty service members by setting them up with a UA registered apprenticeship at an agreed-upon location.  One of the recent Camp Pendleton graduates, Sgt. Joshua L. Steenhoek, who said he is excited to begin his new career in the pipe trades.  ![Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 Graduation (5)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(5)-1.jpg?width=423&height=351&name=Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(5)-1.jpg)“I look forward to starting a career as a plumber and applying the knowledge and drive I have learned from the Navy to help me achieve greatness in this new career,” he said.  Steenhoek will continue training with the UA upon transitioning from the military with Plumbers Local 3 in his hometown of Denver.  ![Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 Graduation (1)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(1)-1.jpg?width=2048&height=1211&name=Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(1)-1.jpg)The UA VIP program utilizes and strengthens the leadership, self-sufficient, and technical oriented skills students have developed in the military, and helps transition these well-flourished skill sets into careers in the pipe trades.  Class 39 graduates have spent 18 weeks learning a variety of pipe trade oriented skills introduced to them by experienced journeyman instructors. Journeymen instructing the program equip their students with a high standard of learning and functional ability in the trades through classroom instruction and hands-on training.  Class 39 graduate, Spc. Chris S. Hilton is ready to begin his journey back to civilian life. Thanks to the UA VIP program, his technical expertise learned from being in the Air Force made his introduction to welding a logical next step.  [![UA VIP Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 Graduation](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754177865_234929babb_z.jpg)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/uavip/albums/72177720306789535)“I look forward to beginning a career in the piping industry using the perseverance, grit and dependability instilled in me from being an Air Force Aircraft technician, effectively conquering the challenges that come with the piping industry while igniting a passion for pipefitting and welding.” Hilton said, “Bringing great attention to detail and an unwavering work ethic.”  Transitioning active-duty service members are invited to apply to the UA VIP program during their last six months of service. UA VIP training is available in welding, HVAC and fire suppression.  UA VIP training is available at seven military bases across the country.  - [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/apply) offers training in welding and HVAC  - [Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/camp-pendleton-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding  - [Fort Carson](https://www.uavip.org/fort-carson-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding  - [Fort Hood](https://www.uavip.org/fort-hood-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding - [Camp Lejeune](https://www.uavip.org/camp-lejeune-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding - [Fort Campbell](https://www.uavip.org/fort-campbell-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding and fire suppression  - [Naval Station](https://www.uavip.org/norfolk-vip-opportunities) Norfolk offers training in HVAC Service members stationed at outside installations are highly encouraged to apply for the [UA VIP program](https://www.uavip.org/participating-bases).  ![Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 Graduation (6)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(6)-1.jpg?width=2048&height=1253&name=Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(6)-1.jpg) ## The future of welding with the UA  Once the graduates transition out of the military, they will begin a UA registered apprenticeship at an agreed-upon location. They will earn good union wages while they train and quickly qualify for quality health insurance for their family. They also will begin earning a pension and a 401K for their retirement.  As they advance their training, they will earn steady pay raises as they progress through the program and expand their skillset.  Once they complete the 5-year apprentice program, the graduates will become journeymen with numerous opportunities for career advancement. They can eventually go on to become a foreman, an instructor, a superintendent, a project manager, a union officer or one day, become a UA signatory contractor.  ![Camp Pendleton Welding Class 39 Graduation (4)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(4)-1.jpg?width=498&height=357&name=Camp%20Pendleton%20Welding%20Class%2039%20Graduation%20(4)-1.jpg) ### If you are an active-duty service member and looking toward your civilian career and future, see if the UA VIP program could help you transition into your new civilian life.    [![Download the Camp Pendleton VIP Program Application Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/687120/ff9515d0-4475-4b21-9b30-08f3665e0831.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/687120/ff9515d0-4475-4b21-9b30-08f3665e0831) [Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/veterans-in-piping-vip-program)  |   [Accelerated Welding Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/accelerated-welding-training)  |   [DoD SkillBridge](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/dod-skillbridge)  |   [United Association](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/united-association)  |   [Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/camp-pendleton)  |   [UA Veterans in Piping](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-veterans-in-piping) ##### Comments ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") Pipefitters Local 455, St. Paul, MN, Apprentice David Adams (VIP graduate, Wisconsin Welding Class 2) is pictured on the job working for Pioneer Piping, Incorporated (PPI) at the Flint Hills Refinery in MN. ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2.jpg "Camp Pendleton") ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg "Camp Pendleton") Camp Pendleton VIP Graduate turned out as Journeyman and makes a life in Butte, MT, with Local 41. ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02.jpg "Orry graduated") ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg "Orry graduated") Orry graduated on April 9, 2015 and affiliated with UA Local 455, St. Paul, MN. ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01.jpg "Jerry Heneha") ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg "Jerry Heneha") Sgt. Jerry Heneha, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery, puts together a valve system in preparation for his final week of the United Association's Veterans in Piping program at the Industrial Training Complex Photo Credit: Ms. Marie Berberea (TRADOC) ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg?width=217&height=169&name=Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") Fort Sill's inaugural Sprinkler Fitter class began on 2 March 2015. ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and 1SG William Davidson presented their instructors Louis Purcella and Micah Tyler with a momentum from the class. ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") SGT Howard Nash is headed to Harrisburg, PA, to affiliate with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 520. ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038.jpg "Gail Pilecki") ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg "Gail Pilecki") Gail Pilecki was so proud of her son, SGT Jeremy Pilecki, on graduation day. SGT Pilecki will make his home in Houston, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017.jpg "William Davidson") ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg "William Davidson") 1SG William Davidson gave the graduate testimonial. He will remain with his family in Waco, TX, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_sm.jpg "Michael Olsen") ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg "Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and his wife, Amanda, will remain in the area, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_sm.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") Alysa and SPC Chad Eberle will be heading to San Antonio, TX, with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142. ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_sm.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") SGT Lawrence Beller, his wife, Brittney, and daughter, Nahla, will be making Houston, TX, their home, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. Mouse over thumbnails to view larger videos and photos or view entire [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery). ## News & Happenings ##### [More News & Happenings](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings) ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) --- ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www-uavip-org.sandbox.hs-sites.com/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) --- ## News & Happenings [News](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings)