The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomes another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are ready to start preparing for a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
Camp Pendleton VIP Welding Class 41 commenced on Aug. 14. The UA VIP program is a DOD Skillbridge program, designed to help active-duty service members transition from the military to a civilian career in the pipefitting industry.
For Marine Cpl. Mario Monsibais, the choice to join the UA VIP program was easy.
“I was attracted to the UA VIP program because I like working with my hands, and I can start earning a career for myself,” he said.
The program helps active-duty service members transition out of the armed forces by giving them the skills to start and succeed in a new career after leaving the military.
“I want to learn everything I can in the trade, and that’s what I anticipate to learn in the VIP program,” Monsibais said.
Class 41 students will work alongside journeymen instructors who will teach them the ins and outs of welding through classroom instruction and hands-on instruction.
Active-duty service members can apply to join the UA VIP program at the following bases:
- 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
Men and women who have a military background bring a valuable set of skills and experiences into the piping industry – valued by UA signatory contractors.
Through their time in the military, these individuals develop qualities such as discipline, teamwork and attention to detail, which will translate well into their future careers.
During the program, students will work to obtain industry-recognized certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling. They will also learn how to read blueprints and measure, cut and weld pieces of material accurately.
The UA VIP program offers various career opportunities for transitioning active-duty service members. Discover more about our trades here.
H2: Begin a good-paying career with the UA
Upon graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students will immediately be placed into a UA-registered apprenticeship program with a guaranteed job.
Once members of the UA, the opportunities for career progression are endless. Graduates who top out of the apprenticeship program will become journeymen, opening up excellent career paths for themselves with great potential for further advancement.
Journeymen in the pipe trades can become foremen, superintendents, UA signatory contractors, business owners or even a UA-officer or organizer.
Not to mention, as apprentices training to become journeymen in the industry, they will earn steady pay while they learn the fundamentals of the piping trades and regular increases as their skillset grows.
If you are an active duty transitioning service member, apply to the UA VIP program today to guarantee yourself a sustainable civilian career.
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