The graduates of Fort Campbell Welding Class 29 have completed the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, finishing their training and taking the next step toward rewarding civilian careers in the pipe trades.
A DoW SkillBridge program, UA VIP is open to active-duty service members who will be in their 180-day transition window when the course begins and ends.
During the program's 118-day training schedule, Class 29 participants developed foundational welding skills they will carry into UA apprenticeships and careers in the skilled trades after transitioning out of the military.
A Proven Pathway: UA VIP
For more than a decade, the UA VIP Program has helped transitioning active-duty service members prepare for good-paying, in-demand civilian careers without using their G.I. Bill benefits.
During the 118-day, 720-hour curriculum, students learn basic pipe trade skills in one of three crafts: HVACR, welding or sprinkler fitting.
Once VIP participants graduate and transition out of the military, they receive direct entry into the UA's five-year Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they will continue to build on their newly acquired skill set without taking on student debt.
VIP graduates are also guaranteed jobs with a UA signatory contractor in an agreed-upon geographic location. They will receive all the benefits of being a UA member, including good wages, excellent full-family medical insurance and great retirement benefits.
Great Staff, Great Experience
Looking back on their time in the UA VIP program, Class 29 graduates offered praise but didn't need many words to describe it.
“Great experience. Wouldn't change a thing,” said Army Spc. Patrick Garcia.
Army Staff Sgt. Luis Suazo was equally direct
“Great staff, great facility,” he added.
Both graduates pointed to the same aspects of the program that provided the most benefit: experienced instructors and a training facility built for the work.
Where Our Graduates Are Going
Working with VIP program administrators, Class 29 graduates agreed on the geographic areas where they will start their apprenticeship and begin their civilian careers. Once they transition out of the military, Fort Campbell Welding Class 29 graduates will head to the following areas and UA Local Unions:
- Baltimore – UA Local 486
- Dallas – UA Local 100
- Detroit – UA Local 636
- Las Vegas – UA Local 525
- Miami – UA Local 725
- Milwaukee – UA Local 75
- Paducah, Ky. – UA Local 184
- Sheffield, Ala. – UA Local 760
Advice for Future VIP Students From a Graduate
When asked what advice he would offer future VIP students, Garcia got right to the point.
“Don't quit,” he said.
Garcia stressed the importance of showing up for every training session. The 118-day program moves fast, he said. Garcia also encouraged future students to give the UA VIP program the same effort they gave their branch of service.
Congratulations, Fort Campbell Welding Class 29
Graduation is a milestone, but it is also the beginning of what comes next. The graduates of Fort Campbell Welding Class 29 have proven they can handle the pace, do the work and stay committed to learning.
Congratulations to the graduates of Fort Campbell Welding Class 29. The UA family is proud of your accomplishment and looks forward to seeing you on future jobsites.
Interested in the UA VIP Program at Fort Campbell? Visit uavip.org/fort-campbell-vip-opportunities to learn more about welding and fire suppression training opportunities for transitioning service members.
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