The students in Fort Campbell Welding Class 27 are halfway done with the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.
When Class 27 students graduate from the UA VIP program and transition out of the military, they will join a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.
UA VIP graduates are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor, where they will earn good union wages and comprehensive benefits, as well as contributions toward a retirement package.
With half of their training completed, Class 27 students have started to determine where they will begin their future civilian careers.
Army Spc. Jon Golightly has had a great experience in the UA VIP program so far, thanks to instructors Chris Johnson and Michael Smith.
“I wanted to join VIP because I want a stable and good-paying job that I enjoy and that will help me provide for my family,” Golightly said.
For Golightly, UA VIP stood out from other DOD SkillBridge programs because it was associated with the UA and he’s always been interested in welding.
Golightly recommends the UA VIP program to any active-duty transitioning military member who is looking to start a civilian career.
“Do it, you won’t regret it,” he said. “The benefits and stability VIP offers are worth it tenfold.”
Golightly will relocate to Texas after he graduates and transitions out of the military. He will begin his five-year apprenticeship with UA Local 100 in Dallas.
After transitioning out of the military, other Class 27 students will relocate to various parts of Michigan, Florida, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and New York to begin their apprenticeships.
Join UA VIP
For 118 days, UA VIP students learn the fundamentals of a trade from journeyman instructors through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction.
After Class 27 students complete their DOL-registered UA apprenticeship programs, they will become certified journeyman welders.
Journeymen can continue to advance their career by becoming foremen, instructors, superintendents, project managers and more.
If you or someone you know is preparing to transition out of the military and interested in joining the pipe trades, consider applying for the UA VIP program today.
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