Fort Hood Welding Class 31: Building Skills for the Next Chapter

The members of Fort Hood Welding Class 31 recently celebrated their graduation from the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, marking the start of their transition from military service to civilian careers.

The UA VIP program is a DOW SkillBridge program designed to help transitioning active-duty service members in their last six months prepare for a new civilian pipe trades career through industry-leading training and guaranteed job placement.

Thanks to the training and hands-on experience the program provides, the graduates possess the basic skills to begin careers in three of the various crafts that make up the union pipe trades industry.

Where Our Graduates Are Going

Upon transitioning out of the military, Fort Hood Welding Class 31 graduates are guaranteed a job and direct entrance into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program in an agreed-upon location.

The graduates from this class will be relocating to the following locations:

• Phoenix – UA Local 469
• Fort Worth, Texas – UA Local 146
• Nashville, Tenn. – UA Local 572
• Western Washington – UA Local 26
• Dallas – UA Local 100
• Austin, Texas – UA Local 286
• Houston – UA Local 211

The UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program Advantage

The UA Veterans in Piping program is a free, 118-day, 720-hour curriculum that helps students develop skills in one of the following trades: sprinkler fitting, welding or HVACR. Program participants not only gain the confidence to succeed in UA’s five-year Registered Apprenticeship Program, but they also enjoy the benefits of union membership.

As apprentices, UA VIP graduates will earn competitive hourly wages and receive raises as they expand their skill set and advance through the program. In addition to good wages, they will also qualify for comprehensive healthcare for themselves and their families, and they will start contributing to a pension and a 401(k) for their retirement.

The UA VIP program offers nine programs at the following seven military bases:

• Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Welding and HVACR)
• Camp Pendleton (Welding)
• Fort Carson (Welding)
• Fort Hood (Welding)
• Camp Lejeune (Welding)
• Fort Campbell (Welding and Sprinkler Fitting)
• Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)

Congratulations, Class 31

The UA congratulates the members of Fort Hood Welding Class 31 for their dedication and achievement and welcomes them into our union family. As they re-enter the civilian world, they are joining a Brotherhood and Sisterhood built on solidarity, opportunity and lifelong learning.

Want to learn more about the UA VIP Program? Visit our Fort Hood page for further details on our accelerated welding program.