Students in the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program at Camp Pendleton graduated on April 25.
After they transition out of the military, the graduates from Welding Class 42 will begin their civilian careers in the pipe trades.
Instructors Jason Culkin and David Ramirez taught the students through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
“Class 42 went extremely well,” Culkin said. “This class had a lot of good energy, which made instructing fun and challenging to keep up with everyone.”
Ramirez said the Class 42 students built a great bond and worked well as a group on their projects.
“We went through some challenges with the welding, but through all these challenges, they stayed positive and helped each other out,” Ramirez said. “It is always great to see our students come together the way this group did.”
During their time in the class, students learned the basic welding skills needed to be successful in a UA apprenticeship program.
UA VIP graduates are guaranteed direct entry into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.
During their time in the program, students had the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications in Oxy-Fuel Cutting, SMAW Plate Welding, SMAW Pipe Welding, SMAW Pipe Spool and GRAW Pipe Welding.
The UA VIP program offers on-base training to help transitioning service members prepare for a civilian career in welding, HVAC-R or fire suppression at the following military installations:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVAC-R)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVAC-R)
What to expect from a UA apprenticeship
Class 42 graduates will already know the basics of how to perform proper installation, maintenance and repair of various piping systems going into their apprenticeship program.
While working as an apprentice, VIP graduates will earn good wages and will quickly qualify for medical and retirement benefits.
As apprentices, Class 42 graduates will continue to learn and improve their welding skills through on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
After apprentices top out, they will become journeyman welders. As journeymen, they will have even more opportunities for career advancement.
The skills learned in the UA VIP program will prepare graduates for a long, rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
If you are an active-duty military member in your last six months of military service, consider applying for the UA VIP program today.
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