The students in Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVAC-R Class 29 are halfway done with the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.
When Class 29 students graduate from the UA VIP program and transition out of the military, they will join a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.
UA VIP graduates are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor, where they will earn good wages and comprehensive benefits and contributions toward a retirement package.
HVAC-R Class 29 students have also started to determine where they will begin their future civilian careers.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ben Lormon heard about the UA VIP program through a friend and is having a great time learning new skills in the class.
Lormon applied for the program because he wanted to specialize in a trade and be confident in his work while also learning new things that the military didn’t provide.
“The UA VIP program stands out because you get to join a union and be recognized for having prior skills while in the military,” Lormon said. “I’ve heard the transition from the military to a union is similar and should make the transition smoother.”
So far during his time in the program, Lormon has learned about the refrigeration cycle and said his favorite part is being able to participate in hands-on learning.
Lormon will begin his UA apprenticeship with Pipefitters Local 208 in Colorado.
Army Spc. Alban Jusufi is adjusting well in HVAC-R Class 29 and said he is now used to the training schedule.
Jusufi described the UA VIP program as informational and although students learn a lot of information at once, it’s all necessary information for the job.
“I decided to join because the trade is in demand and I enjoy doing hands-on work,” Jusufi said. “I like learning about a valuable skill that will never go away or be replaced by AI.”
So far, Jusufi has learned about the basic components of refrigeration systems; how to evacuate a system of refrigerant and charge it back into a system; how to braze copper pipe; and has earned his EPA 608 certification.
“I expect to work around highly skilled professionals who will teach and mentor me throughout my apprenticeship and help set my career up to be a successful journeyman,” Jusufi said about what he expects when he begins his UA apprenticeship.
Jusufi will begin his UA apprenticeship with Pipefitters Local 597 in Chicago.
More about the UA VIP program
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members transition smoothly into careers in the piping industry.
For 118 days, UA VIP students learn the basics of the trade from journeyman instructors through hands-on training and classroom instruction.
After HVAC-R Class 29 students complete their DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program, they will become certified journeyman HVAC-R technicians.
Working as a journeyman can open the doors to more opportunities for career growth. Journeymen can continue to advance in their trade by becoming foremen, instructors, superintendents, project managers and more.
If you are getting ready to transition out of the military and are interested in the trades, consider applying for the UA VIP program today.
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