The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program congratulates the participants from Camp Pendleton Welding Class 40, who recently graduated.
The UA VIP program is a DOD Skillbrdige program created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition into their next career after their time in the service has ended.
Upon completion of the 18-week program, students obtained industry-recognized certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
Once they successfully transition out of the military, the Welding Class 40 graduates will join the United Association’s registered apprenticeship program. Where they will receive both on-the-job training and classroom instruction from experienced journeymen.
Experience in the pipe trades is not required to apply for the UA VIP program.
As they progress throughout their apprenticeship, the UA VIP graduates will continue practicing installation, maintenance and repair of all types of piping systems as well as joining structural steel brackets and supports, and then apply these new skills on job sites.
The UA VIP program provides free training, direct entry into a UA apprenticeship program and guaranteed job placement with a UA signatory contractor at an agreed-upon location nationwide.
Training is available at seven military bases with nine different programs.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord offers training in welding and HVACR
- Camp Pendleton offers training in welding
- Fort Carson offers training in welding
- Fort Cavazos offers training in welding
- Camp Lejeune offers training in welding
- Fort Campbell offers training in welding and fire suppression
- Naval Station Norfolk offers training in HVAC
If you are an active-duty service member in your last six months of service, you are eligible to apply to the UA VIP program.
Time to begin your career in welding
Welders are among the highest-paying skilled trades in the construction industry. These accomplished workers often find themselves cutting various materials, from steel, cast iron and plastic to complex and specialized products used in numerous projects. A typical project for a welder can take place anywhere from pipelines and power plants to pharmaceutical and computer chip factories.
Once Class 40 graduates transition out of the military, the new apprentices will earn good union wages while they train and quickly qualify for quality health insurance for themselves and their families. They will also begin earning a pension and a 401K for retirement.
As students advance through the apprenticeship program, they can expect steady pay raises, working benefits, and a growing skill set widely sought in the construction industry.
Completing the UA’s 5-year apprenticeship program will prepare the Class 40 graduates for numerous opportunities as qualified journeyman welders. Future career options include becoming a foreman, instructor, superintendent, project manager, union officer or even UA signatory contractor.
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