On July 28th, fifteen Marines participating in the Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program at Camp Pendleton will graduate from the 16-week welding curriculum. This group marks the 22nd VIP class graduating from Camp Pendleton.
The ceremony will be held at the Marine Memorial Golf Course in the Eagles Landing room. Mike Hazard will emcee the ceremony, and the guest speaker is Lt Col William E. O’Brien, Commanding Officer, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, the Keynote speaker is Major General Matt Caulfield USMC (Ret), and the student speaker is Sergeant Cesar Rodriguez.
The VIP Program offers high-quality skills training and jobs in the pipe trades to active duty military personnel preparing to leave the service. Participants in the program receive 18 weeks of accelerated skills training in either welding, HVACR or sprinkler fitting, and earn industry-recognized certifications.
Upon graduation, participants gain direct entry into UA apprenticeship programs, which are recognized in the industry as the best in the business.
The program is currently being offered at Camp Lejeune (NC), Camp Pendleton (CA), Joint Base Lewis-McChord (WA), Fort Carson (CO), Fort Hood (TX), Fort Campbell (KY), Fort Sill (OK), and Naval Station Norfolk (VA).
To learn more about the VIP Program, visit www.uavip.org.
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