Fort Carson Welding Class 32 Begins

The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomes another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are preparing for a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades. 

The students in Fort Carson Welding Class 32 began their UA VIP training on Sept. 29. 

The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members transition from the military to a new civilian career. 

Over the next 118 days, Class 32 students will learn the basics for a future career as a union welder. During this time, students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that will propel their careers when they begin their UA apprenticeships. 

Graduating with direct entry into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program is what attracted Army Sgt. Riley Joslen to the UA VIP program. 

Joslen learned about UA VIP from a friend who graduated from the program, and after doing additional research, the program seemed like the right fit. 

During the VIP training, Joslen wants to learn the fundamental skills of welding and pipefitting.

“Once I begin my apprenticeship, I want to get to work right away and stay busy while I’m learning the trade,” Joslen said. 

Army Sgt. Gabriel Pelagio applied for the program after visiting the UA VIP website. He is excited to learn how to weld. 

“I want to graduate with a good understanding and have good experience with the trade so I can complete my apprenticeship and work toward becoming a journeyman,” Pelagio said. 

The UA VIP program offers 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)

Apply for the UA VIP program 

For 118 days, UA VIP students learn the basics of welding, HVACR or fire suppression through classroom instruction and hands-on training. 

After transitioning out of the military, UA VIP graduates are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location, where they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor. 

Once VIP graduates begin their apprenticeship, they will receive good wages and comprehensive healthcare. As apprentices develop their skills, they will become eligible for wage increases.

After apprentices top out and become journeymen, they will open the door to more career advancement opportunities.

Active-duty service members in their last six months of military commitment are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.