The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are interested in training for a future civilian career in the pipe trades.
On Sept. 23, Fort Pendleton Welding Class 44 began their accelerated training.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program, designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from a life in the military to a rewarding civilian career.
Marine Cpl. Dylan Brinkmann chose the UA VIP program over other SkillBridge programs because he felt it offered the most opportunities.
Brinkmann learned about the VIP program when he saw a flyer at the gym. He got the application through the QR code on the flyer.
Brinkmann is eager to learn as much as he can during his time in Class 44 and hopes to earn as many certifications as possible.
“When I start my apprenticeship, I hope to take what I learned from the VIP program and apply it as I work and continue to get better at the trade,” he said.
Marine Cpl. Luke Martinez learned about the UA VIP program after coming across the website. Despite not having any prior experience, he knew the program would help him start his civilian career.
“While I’m in the UA VIP program, I hope to fully learn and understand welding as well as get set up for a job with a union in my hometown,” Martinez said.
Martinez was interested in the UA VIP program when he learned that graduates who transition out of the military are placed at an agreed-upon location with a UA Local Union and guaranteed work.
Over the next 118 days, Brinkman, Martinez and their fellow Class 44 classmates will learn the basics of welding through classroom instruction and hands-on training. They will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications by the time they graduate.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following seven military installations:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
Begin a rewarding career with the UA
Once UA VIP students graduate and transition out of the military, they will be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location where they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor.
Once VIP graduates begin their apprenticeship, they will receive good wages and comprehensive healthcare. As apprentices continue to grow their skills, they will receive wage increases to match their expanded knowledge.
Members of the UA have extensive opportunities to advance their careers. After apprentices top out and become journeymen welders, they will open the door to a plethora of career advancement opportunities.
All active-duty military members in their last six months of military commitment are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program to start a rewarding civilian career.
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