Fort Carson Welding Class 31 celebrates graduation from UA VIP program

The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) celebrated the graduation of Fort Carson Welding Class 31 on Sept. 11. 

The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help transitioning active-duty service members prepare for a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades. 

After UA VIP graduates transition out of the military, they are guaranteed direct entry into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location. 

UA VIP welding instructors Jose Ballejo and Ezra Saint-Peter taught Class 31 students the fundamentals of welding through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. 

During their time in the program, students also had the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that they can take with them after transitioning out of the military. 

These certifications will help Class 31 VIP graduates stand out from other apprentices on future  jobsites.

Graduates will arrive knowing the basics of proper installation, maintenance and repair of various piping systems before entering their apprenticeship programs. 

The UA VIP program offers 118 days of training to help transitioning service members prepare for a civilian career in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at seven select bases across the country:

• 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)

Graduate with guaranteed job placement 

After transitioning out of the military, UA VIP graduates are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program. They will also have a guaranteed job with a signatory contractor. 

UA VIP graduates will earn quality union wages and benefits while they work as apprentices. As their skills continue to grow, their wages also increase. After graduates complete their apprenticeship, they will become journeymen, creating more opportunities for career advancement. 

All transitioning active-duty service members are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.