Students in Fort Campbell Welding Class 27 have begun their free on-base training to prepare for a future union career through the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from the military to a rewarding civilian career.
The students in Class 27 will learn through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training from journeymen instructors Chris Johnson and Michael Smith.
Army Spc. Cedric Mitchell knew he wanted a career in welding when he transitioned out of the military.
“While I’m in the VIP program, I am excited to learn the trade and secure long-term employment,” Mitchell said.
Army Sgt. Brandon Horvath was attracted to the VIP program because it offers guaranteed job placement through a UA Local Union.
Horvath’s goals for his time in the UA VIP program are to learn as much as he can from the instructors and eventually climb the union ladder after he graduates.
Mitchell, Horvath and their classmates will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications they can carry with them when they begin their apprenticeships. These certifications will help them stand out from other apprentices on the jobsite.
The UA VIP program offers 118 days of training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at the following military bases:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Hood (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
More UA VIP information
Once VIP graduates transition out of the military, they are guaranteed direct entry into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.
While working as apprentices, VIP graduates earn good wages and qualify for comprehensive healthcare benefits for themselves and their families.
As apprentices continue to learn the skills of the trade, they will qualify for regular wage increases.
Graduates who complete the apprenticeship program will become journeymen. Reaching journeyman status will open the door to more career growth opportunities.
All active-duty service members in their last six months of service who are interested in finding a rewarding civilian career after leaving the military are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.
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