Fort Hood Welding Class 31 begins

The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomes the students in Fort Hood Welding Class 31 as they begin their journey toward rewarding civilian careers in the pipe trades.

The UA VIP program, a DOD SkillBridge initiative, provides free on-base training to help transitioning active-duty service members smoothly transition to civilian careers.

The program provides students with a pathway to a union apprenticeship and a guaranteed job with a UA signatory contractor upon graduation and transition out of the military.

Class 31 students will be taught the basics of welding by experienced UA journeymen through classroom instruction and hands-on training.

During their time in the program, Class 31 students will receive on-base training in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW and GTAW welding and OSHA safety.

Fort Hood is one of seven military bases nationwide offering UA VIP training and Class 31 students will benefit from hands-on learning, expert instruction and a supportive classroom environment.

The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR or 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)

Choose UA VIP

Joining the UA VIP program is more than training for a job, it’s securing a future with no student debt, guaranteed job placement, excellent wages and benefits and union support.

As Class 31 students begin their 118-day training program, they are not only learning a trade but also building a foundation for long-term success.

After graduating, each student will transition into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship at an agreed-upon location, joining over 390,000 UA members across North America.

The UA VIP program is proud to support service members as they take the next step in their careers and become part of the United Association family.

Transitioning active-duty service members in their last six months of service interested in starting a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades can learn more by visiting the UA VIP website.