JBLM HVACR Class 32 reaches training midpoint

The students in Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR Class 32 are halfway done with the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program. 

When Class 32 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.

HVACR Class 32 students have started to determine where they will begin their future civilian careers. 

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kirstin Riley said she has adjusted well to being in a classroom setting and has enjoyed the hands-on training opportunities. 

Riley joined the program because she wanted to start a hands-on career that will benefit her and her family. 

“UA VIP stood out because it offers guaranteed job placement with roughly 17 weeks of training beforehand that sets you up for a successful career,” Riley said. “This new career sounded appealing, interesting and stable.”

So far, Riley and her classmates have learned trade-applicable math, brazing, refrigeration handling, EPA 608, OSHA 30 and more. 

“If you are transitioning out of the military, you should absolutely apply for the VIP program,” she said. “You don’t have to know about the trade in order to be accepted, and the UA VIP program will set you up for success as long as you try.” 

Riley will stay in Washington after she graduates and transitions out of the military. She will begin her five-year apprenticeship with UA Local 32. 

Other Class 32 students will relocate to various parts of Washington, Ohio, Texas and Mississippi to begin their apprenticeships. 

Apply for UA VIP today 

The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition into civilian 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 Class 32 students complete their DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program, they will become certified journeyman HVACR technicians. 

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 joining the trades, consider applying for the UA VIP program today.