The students in Fort Carson Welding Class 29 are officially halfway through their accelerated UA VIP training.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program, created to help active-duty service members transition from the military to civilian life as smoothly as possible.
During their time in the program, Class 29 students will learn the fundamentals of welding through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Once VIP students successfully complete the program and transition out of the military, they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor at an agreed-upon location.
At this point in their training, Welding Class 29 students are learning where they will begin their five-year UA apprenticeship programs.
Army CW4 Miguel Ortega will stay in Colorado to begin his apprenticeship with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 58 in Colorado Springs.
Some students will travel farther for their apprenticeships.
Army Sgt. Armando Luna will travel to Texas and will begin his apprenticeship at Pipefitters Local 211 in Houston.
Other Welding Class 29 students will travel to various parts of Texas, Illinois, Arizona and Nevada to begin their UA apprenticeships.
The UA VIP program offers 118 days of accelerated training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following military bases:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
More benefits with the UA
During the second half of their on-base training, Welding Class 29 students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications before they graduate on Dec. 19.
After Welding Class 29 students graduate and transition out of the military, they will receive good hourly wages and comprehensive healthcare benefits for themselves and their families while working as UA apprentices.
Once the graduates complete their apprenticeship training, they will turn out as journeymen, opening a plethora of career advancement opportunities.
Active-duty service members who are ready to transition out of the military and still need a reliable civilian career are encouraged to visit the UA VIP website to learn more about the great opportunities within the UA.
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