On Oct. 5, students in the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program Fort Campbell Welding Class 21 graduated with industry-recognized certifications that position them well for future civilian careers.
In the coming weeks and months, graduates will transition out of the military and begin DOL-registered UA apprenticeship programs at their previously agreed-upon locations across the country.
The UA VIP program is a DOD Skillbridge Program designed to support and smoothly transition active-duty service members into sustainable civilian careers.
Once they transition out of the military, UA VIP graduates will begin new careers in their chosen pipe trades.
Those interested in joining the UA VIP program can choose from any of the following locations and trades:
- Camp Pendleton - California (Welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Washington (HVAC and Welding)
- Fort Carson - Colorado (Welding)
- Fort Cavazos - Texas (Welding)
- Camp Lejeune - North Carolina (Welding)
- Fort Campbell - Kentucky (Welding and Fire Suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk - Virginia (HVAC)
Throughout the VIP Program, students have been learning the fundamentals of welding through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Most earned certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
Graduates also learned how to properly install, maintain and repair all types of piping systems and perform other work such as joining structural steel brackets and supports for such systems.
UA VIP Fort Campbell Welding Instructor Michael Smith was impressed with his most recent class, especially their eagerness to learn.
“The class went great, all the students were willing to learn and were very teachable,” he said.
“I believe these VIP graduates will make UA some fine workers. They all couldn’t wait to begin their apprenticeship and get to work,” added Smith.
After graduates successfully finish the five-year apprenticeship program, they will become professional journeymen welders, opening a variety of career advancement opportunities.
If you are preparing to transition out of the military and interested in pursuing a rewarding career in the pipe trades, apply to the UA VIP program today.
Why choose UA VIP
Over the last decade, more than two million men and women have served and sacrificed for our nation. Despite being a disciplined and highly trainable population, military members sometimes face an exceedingly high unemployment rate upon leaving the service.
To combat this issue, the UA VIP program was created. Since 2008, the program has helped thousands of active-duty service members smoothly transition into life-changing careers that will ensure their financial stability, career longevity and quality health insurance.
The UA VIP program provides participants with the valuable skill set and expertise to start a career in the pipe trades.
With an increasingly high demand for trained workers in the pipe trades, there is no better time than now to apply to the UA VIP program.
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