NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP

Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program.

From Army Specialist to UA Journeyman

William Northrop JBLM VIP Weld Class 1 Graduate OTJ

Aside from being veterans, United Association Veterans in Piping apprentices have one thing in common; this program has changed their life. Specialist William “Billy” Northrop joined the military because he wanted to learn a trade. He served four years in the U.S. Army as a 12N: Heavy Equipment Operator.

“The army values instilled in us carry on past our service time and honestly makes you stand out among your peers,” said William Northrop, a 4th year welding apprentice. “I can’t say it enough, this program did everything they said they would and more.”

William Northrop JBLM VIP Weld Class 1 Graduate OTJNorthrop, who graduated from the first UA VIP welding class at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in May 2013.Throughout the program, Billy made strong friendships with two other VIPs in his class, Connor Higgins and David Lee. Billy, Conner and David all pursued apprenticeship with UA Pipefitters Local 537 in Boston and recently graduated the program in April 2018. Currently, all three men are working full time as UA Journeymen for different UA signatory contractors. Northrop works with Northeastern Mechanical, Higgins works for General Air and Lee works for J.C. Higgins.

JBLM Weld 01 Northrop, Lee, Higgins

As Northrop was reaching the end of his military service, he was uncertain about what he was going to do when he left the Army.

“As a heavy equipment operator I was conducting route clearance which doesn’t really translate so easily to civilian work. When I first heard about the VIP program I knew it was my opportunity to learn a trade and have a solid career to transition into.”

The UA VIP Program is, a free 18-week accelerated training program for active-duty military service members who are preparing to transition back into civilian life. Members of the Veterans in Piping Program receive both classroom and hands-on training to prepare them for a life-long career in the piping industry.

Upon successfully completing the program and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP graduates will begin a five-year apprenticeship in a designated geographical area. They will also begin working with a UA signatory contractor, earning a livable wage and excellent health insurance and retirement benefits. These contractors know they will be getting apprentices who have the dedication, pride and competitiveness to get the job done.

“I am lucky to find a career I love,” said Northrop. “I hope they continue to do more programs like this because veterans deserve to come back to civilian life with opportunities.”

image002image001

In addition to veteran unemployment, the UA VIP Program was created to address a growing shortage in the construction industry of skilled workers due to the combined effects of an aging workforce, increased demand, and a lack of skills training for youth.

If you want to learn more about the United Association Veterans in Piping Program, check out our website.

 

Comments