Future technicians graduate from JBLM HVACR Class 32

The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord celebrated the graduation of HVACR Class 32 on July 17, marking another successful transition for service members entering the pipe trades. 

During their time in the program, students learned the skills necessary to begin rewarding civilian careers in the heating and cooling service industry. 

The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program that was created to help active-duty military members in their last six months of military commitment prepare for a new civilian career. 

Among the graduates is Army Sgt. 1st Class Edward Godoy, who exemplifies the determination and adaptability that define the UA VIP program.

“I was looking for something I could use for job placement and something I wanted to learn,” Godoy said. “I wanted to learn how to work on HVAC systems. I’m more hands-on, so I thought that would be a good match for me.”

The UA VIP program offered him exactly what he was seeking: practical skills, direct entry into a union and a guaranteed job, all without using his GI Bill benefits. 

The transition wasn’t always easy and Godoy found himself tackling new challenges every day, from mastering complex math and new terminology to adjusting to the rigorous demands of the HVACR trade. 

“Working on something I’ve never worked on before was very challenging,” he said. “There was a lot of math and new terminology, and it required studying every day. But with the help of the instructor and constant studying, I was able to pass all the tests.” 

Godoy credits much of his success to the camaraderie and support of his classmates, saying they studied and took quizzes together.

As he prepares to begin his apprenticeship with UA Local 26, Godoy is eager to keep learning.

“I want to learn everything I can and get familiar with working on the systems and absorbing all the knowledge from the apprenticeship,” he said. 

Begin a rewarding civilian career

Once UA VIP students graduate, they are guaranteed job placement and direct entrance into a UA-registered apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location. 

When graduates begin their DOL-registered apprenticeship, they will continue to learn and earn more certifications alongside journeymen instructors. 

Apprentices earn good wages while they continue to master their trade in the classroom and on the jobsite. They will also receive quality healthcare and start contributing to a pension and a 401 (k) for their retirement. 

The UA VIP program offers accelerated training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following seven military bases: 

• Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
• Camp Pendleton (welding)
• Fort Carson (welding)
• Fort Cavazos (welding)
• Camp Lejeune (welding)
• Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
• Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)