JBLM HVACR Class 34: Building Careers in the Pipe Trades

The members of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) HVACR Class 34 recently celebrated their graduation from the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, marking the beginning of their transition to civilian careers in the pipe trades.

The UA VIP program is a DoW SkillBridge program designed to help transitioning active-duty service members in their last six months prepare for a new civilian career through industry-leading training and guaranteed job placement.

Thanks to the hands-on training and instruction the program provides, Class 34 graduates now possess the fundamental skills to begin civilian careers as apprentice HVACR technicians.

A Proven Pathway: UA VIP

For more than a decade, the UA VIP Program has helped transitioning active-duty service members prepare for good-paying, in-demand civilian careers.

During the 118-day, 720-hour curriculum, students learn basic pipe trade skills in one of three crafts: HVACR, sprinkler fitting or welding.

Once VIP participants graduate and transition out of the military, they enter the UA’s five-year Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they will continue to build on their newly acquired skill set without taking on student debt.

VIP graduates are also guaranteed jobs with a UA signatory contractor in an agreed-upon geographic location. They will receive direct entry into a UA Local Union and all the benefits of being a UA member, including good wages, excellent full-family medical insurance and great retirement benefits.

Where Our Graduates Are Going

Once they transition out of the military, JBLM HVACR Class 34 graduates are guaranteed a job and direct entrance into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location. The graduates from this class will be relocating to the following areas:

• Ashland, Ky. – UA Local 248
• Appleton, Wisc. – UA Local 400
• Seattle – UA Local 32
• Orlando, Fla. – UA Local 803
• Western Washington – UA Local 26
• Dallas – UA Local 100

Advice for Future VIP Students From a Graduate

When asked about their experience and what advice they would offer future VIP students, Class 34 graduates pointed to preparation, focus and a commitment to learning.

Graduate Brandon Reid reflected positively on how the program set him up for success.

“I feel the program prepared me as best as possible to enter the HVAC field,” said Reid.

He also offered straightforward guidance for those who follow in his footsteps:

“Pay attention and learn as much as possible. This is just an introduction to the field,” he said.

That mindset — treating the program as a foundation to build on — reflects the Earn While You Learn model that defines the UA apprenticeship experience.

Congratulations, JBLM HVACR Class 34!

The entire UA family applauds your dedication and achievement and welcomes you into our union family. As you embark on this new chapter, know that you are joining a Brotherhood and Sisterhood built on solidarity, opportunity and lifelong learning.

Want to learn more about the JBLM HVACR UA VIP Program? Visit uavip.org/apply for details on HVACR training and career opportunities for transitioning service members.