The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another cohort of transitioning active-duty service members interested in training for a future civilian career in the pipe trades.
On May 5, Camp Lejeune Welding Class 29 began their accelerated training.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program, created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from a life in the military to a rewarding civilian career.
Marine Cpl. Owden Vanderweg applied for the UA VIP program because he knows students graduate ready to begin a career in the pipe trades.
“I wanted to join the UA VIP program because it offers connections and certifications,” he said.
Vanderweg was encouraged to join UA VIP by a friend who is also enrolled in the program.
Marine Cpl. Anthony Ruiz learned about the UA VIP program while researching SkillBridge programs he could join when he transitions out of the military.
Despite not having background knowledge in welding, Ruiz was still eager to apply.
“I don’t know much about welding, so I don’t know what I should expect, but my desire to weld after the military attracted me to the program,” Ruiz said.
Over the next 118 days, Vanderweg, Ruiz and their fellow Class 29 classmates will learn the basics of welding through classroom instruction and hands-on training. They will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications before they graduate.
Apply for UA VIP today
Once UA VIP students graduate and transition out of the military, they will be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location where they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor.
UA VIP graduates receive good wages and comprehensive family healthcare once they begin their apprenticeships.
The UA VIP program offers accelerated training in welding, HVACR and 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)
All active-duty service members in their last six months of military commitment are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.
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