Fort Hood Welding Class 24 is a group of hard-working transitioning military members who have come together to prepare for fulfilling careers after their time in the service through the United Association (UA) Veterans In Piping (VIP) Program.
During 18 weeks of intensive training, Class 24 students will learn the fundamentals of the pipe trades and receive numerous industry-recognized welding certifications that will prepare them for life after the service.
This can include oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling certification.
The students will learn how to weld alongside experienced journeyman instructors through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. After they complete the program and transition out of the military, they will gain direct entry into a UA-registered apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location and begin good-paying civilian careers.
Employers in the pipe trade industry are on the hunt for highly skilled workers. Students graduating from this class will continue learning about the installation, maintenance and repair of all types of piping systems. Graduates will also learn how to study blueprints in preparation for accurate measuring, cutting and welding using a variety of tools and methods.
The focus of the UA VIP Program is to help transitioning active duty service members who have little to no training in the pipe trades and prepare them for a rewarding civilian career.
Look forward to a future in a good-paying union welding career
Once they enter a UA-registered apprenticeship program, the UA VIP graduates will start earning good union wages and quickly be eligible for quality healthcare for themselves and their families. They will start earning a pension and a 401K for their retirement. As they progress through the program, they’ll earn pay increases to complement their increased skills and knowledge.
Upon completion of their UA apprenticeship, they will become journeymen with numerous possibilities for further career advancement. They will earn quality wages in an industry that is consistently growing.
The UA VIP Program is a DOD Skillbridge program designed to assist future veterans into their next stage of life. The program strives to provide transitioning active duty service members with the skills and means to start lucrative civilian careers after they finish their responsibility to their country.
The training takes place while they are still in the military at select bases throughout the country and is available in welding, HVACR and fire suppression:
- Camp Pendleton, California
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Fort Carson, Colorado
- Fort Hood, Texas
- Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
- Fort Campbell, Kentucky
- Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
Transitioning active-duty service members are eligible to apply for the UA VIP Program during their last six months of service commitment.
Learn more about the UA VIP welding training program at Fort Hood
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