The graduates in Fort Hood Welding Class 22 have new careers to look forward to in the civilian world.
It’s all thanks to the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, which guarantees transitioning active duty service members a good-paying job after they leave the military.
Welding class 22 lasted 18 weeks. It established a foundation from which the graduates can build lasting and fruitful civilian careers. They trained alongside an experienced journeyman instructor through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning. They learned basic welding skills and earned industry-recognized certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
Transitioning active-duty service members are invited to apply for the UA VIP program during their last six months of active duty. UA VIP training is available in welding, HVAC and fire suppression at select military bases across the country.
The beginning of a fulfilling civilian career
Once the graduates transition out of the military, they will begin a UA-registered apprenticeship at an agreed-upon location. Some of the graduates have selected to work in Dallas, Baton Rouge and Chattanooga.
In addition to good union pay and quality health insurance for their family, the graduates will begin earning a pension and a 401K for their retirement. They will receive regular pay increases as they progress through the program and expand their skill set.
Once they complete their apprenticeship, they will become journeymen with numerous opportunities for career advancement. Some may eventually become a foreman, a superintendent or own their own business. Others will eventually become certified journeyman instructors, perhaps even in the UA VIP program.
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