The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are training for a future career in the pipe trades.
Fort Carson Welding Class 29 students have begun classroom learning and hands-on training to prepare for a civilian career as a union welder.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from the military back into a civilian life.
After discovering the UA VIP program on the U.S. Army CSP website, Army Cpl. Julian McVay was immediately interested in applying for the program.
“I wanted to apply when I saw that I wouldn’t have to use my G.I. Bill and I would join a union,” McVay said.
After graduating from the UA VIP program and applying what he learned in his apprenticeship, McVay hopes to bring in more income than he did during his time in the Army.
Army Sgt. Dylan Geril has always been interested in welding and applied for the program after he looked at the UA VIP website.
Geril will use his time in the UA VIP program to learn as much as he can and try to earn certifications. His goals for the future are to continue to learn and own his own business one day.
During on-base training, Geril, McVay and other classmates will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications in SMAW and GRAW pipe welding that they can take with them when they begin their apprenticeship.
For 118 days, transitioning active-duty service members learn the fundamentals of welding, HVACR or fire suppression through the UA VIP program. The UA VIP program is offered 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)
Why you should join the UA VIP program
As demand for skilled professionals in the pipe trades grows, the UA VIP program presents an excellent opportunity for active-duty service members seeking to transition into this dynamic industry.
After transitioning from military service, VIP graduates secure guaranteed positions within a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location and a job with a UA signatory contractor.
While working as apprentices, VIP graduates will earn good union wages and will quickly qualify for comprehensive healthcare for themselves and their families.
After topping out, apprentices will become certified journeymen. If interested, journeymen can continue to grow in their trade and become foremen, instructors, superintendents, project managers, business owners and more.
If you are a transitioning active-duty service member who is looking for a rewarding civilian career, please consider applying for the UA VIP program today.
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