Army Sgt. David Lee began a new career within the plumbing and pipefitting industry when he transitioned out of the military in 2013.
Lee was in the very first UA VIP program class 10 years ago where he began his welding training while stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Lee found the transition process from the military to a pipe trades career to be fairly easy, which he attributes to the VIP Program. He says the work the UA and VIP program put into helping veterans transition to a new career is remarkable.
The VIP program is a DoD SkillBridge program that allows military members preparing to leave the service to learn new skills that will lead to a fulfilling career in the pipe trades.
While completing his training in 2013, he learned basic welding skills and earned certifications that helped as he progressed within the pipe trades.
“After my first conversation with Mike Hazard for the program, I was sold,” Lee said. “Being able to have hands-on training prior to working and with an organization that puts in tremendous effort into helping veterans transition to a new career.”
The graduate believes the program is second to none. Lee says the program provides an unmatched opportunity to enter and excel in a great civilian career.
Upon arriving at the local union, Lee started working right away. 
After transitioning out of the military, Lee joined UA Local 537 outside Boston. He felt the program prepared him for the jobs he was expected to do. Lee turned out as a Journeyman in 2018 and is still a Local 537 member today.
Since graduating from the UA VIP program, Lee has predominantly worked on Life Science and Pharmaceutical projects.
Lee highly recommends the VIP program to any friend or military member who is looking to transition to civilian life and begin a new career.
“I am extremely thankful for the opportunity the UA and the VIP program have afforded me. This is a career where you will get what you put into it. Upon completion of my apprenticeship, I became a foreman, and two years later to superintendent. I have also been an instructor at our school for the last five years teaching 4th-year apprentices,” Lee said.
More about the UA VIP program
After graduating, UA VIP program members are guaranteed a job placement in a DOL-registered apprenticeship program. After completing apprenticeship training, graduates become journeymen and are given numerous career path opportunities to expand their careers.
Like Lee, graduates who complete their apprenticeship go on to become foremen or superintendents. Some graduates will even become instructors teaching UA VIP students.
UA VIP offers nine programs held at seven locations throughout the nation. All participants, no matter what branch of the military, can apply to any of the nine programs.
The UA VIP program offers training to help veterans start a new civilian career in welding, HVACR or fire suppression.
If you or someone you know is an active duty transitioning service member please apply at UAVIP.org
The locations and programs offered at each location are listed below:
- Fort Carson offers training in welding
- Camp Pendleton offers training in welding
- Fort Hood offers training in welding
- Camp Lejeune offers training in welding
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord offers training in welding and HVAC
- Fort Campbell offers training in welding and fire suppression
- Naval Station Norfolk offers training in HVAC
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