Fort Cavazos Welding Class 29 students have reached the halfway point of their advanced training in the UA VIP program.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition into sustainable pipe trades careers.
Since Class 29 started in February, these active-duty service members have been preparing to become UA apprentices after they transition out of the military.
Class 29 students recently learned their agreed-upon UA Local Union location — an area where they want to live and start their civilian careers.
Some students, like Army Sgt. Dean Lopez, will relocate to a different state for their apprenticeships. After he graduates and transitions out of the military, Lopez will begin his UA apprenticeship in Ohio with Pipefitters Local 120.
Other students, like Army Staff Sgt. Charles Turner will stay in Texas, where he will begin his five-year apprenticeship with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 286 in Austin.
Besides Ohio and Texas, other Class 29 students will relocate to various parts of Utah and Florida to begin their apprenticeships.
More UA VIP info
The UA VIP program offers 118 days of accelerated training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following military installations:
- 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)
After VIP students graduate and transition out of the military, they will join a DOL-registered apprenticeship program and go to work for a UA signatory contractor.
While working as apprentices, VIP graduates will be paid a livable wage and will qualify for medical benefits for themselves and their families. They will also earn retirement benefits, including a 401(k) and pension.
As apprentices, VIP graduates will continue to learn and improve their technical skills and industry knowledge through classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
If you or someone you know is in their last six months of active-duty service, consider applying for the UA VIP program today. Learn more on the UA VIP website.
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