After completing 18-weeks of accelerated training, five students in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program Welding Class 14 graduated on April 12.
The UA VIP Program provides free training to active-duty military service members, who are preparing to leave the service. Each graduate obtains lifelong skills to begin a successful career in the pipe trades industry. The five service members of Class 14 learned basic welding skills and earned welding certifications, which will be put to use after graduation and successful transition from the armed forces. Each member is guaranteed a job that provides a livable wage and good health and retirement benefits.
“It is your hard work and dedication that brought you to the finish line of your military career and to the starting line of your new careers as UA apprentices,” said UA VIP Administrator Mike Hazard. “We wish you all the best of luck and I am honored to be here celebrating this milestone with you.”
“I’m so proud of this group as they started out small, but have done big things,” said JBLM Welding Instructor Kris McAfterty. “I am looking forward to seeing them grow as UA Brothers, as they go through the apprenticeship and become journeymen.”
During the April 12 graduation ceremony, featured speakers included the Honorable Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington State; Colonel Nicole Lucas, JBLM Garrison Commander; and Army Major General (Ret). Andy Aadland.
Speaking on behalf of Welding Class 14 was Sergeant. Richard Peer, who served in the Army for seven years as a Combat Engineer. He was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013, where he served as a team leader, dismount team member and gunner, while conducting over 136 route clearance missions.
The members of Welding Class 14 will not face the stress that often accompanies transitioning from the service to civilian life. While some service members struggle to find good-paying jobs to provide for their families, UA VIP graduates are guaranteed employment with a UA signatory contractor in an agreed upon geographical location.
Skills and certifications earned by UA VIP participants are in high-demand, as there is an increasing need for skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen in the pipe trades. UA signatory contractors who hire UA VIP graduates are not just gaining someone with skills, but an employee who understands how to work under pressure, the importance of showing up on-time, every day and a willingness to listen to their superiors.
In addition to being placed in an in-demand job, UA VIP graduates enter a five-year UA apprenticeship program with a UA Local in their designated area. During their apprenticeship, they will receive both on-the-job and classroom instruction to further their skillset in the pipe trades and earn additional industry-leading certifications. As they progress, apprentices receive standard wage increases that reflect the value of increased skillset.
Transitioning military service members can apply for this 18-week program that includes classroom and hands-on skills instruction, which is provided free of cost on eight military bases across the country.
Active-duty service members who want to learn more about the JBLM UA VIP Welding Class can submit their information by clicking here.
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