The students in the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding Class 30 have started to decide where they will begin their future civilian careers.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program, designed to prepare active-duty service members for careers in the piping industry after they transition out of the military.
Welding Class 30 students are taught by journeyman instructor Jeremy Rood through classroom instruction and hands-on training. 
Senior Airman Jeremy LaRiviere said it’s been great learning about the trade and it’s been interesting working around other branches of the military. He also said the way Welding Class 30 is structured is similar to the Air Force classes he’s taken.
“I’ve learned quite a lot from safety to refreshing my math skills,” LaRiviere said. “Getting better at different techniques of welding is my favorite.”
LaRiviere learned about the UA VIP program through the Military TAP program and decided to join because he believes learning a trade is beneficial and has heard a lot of great things about unions.
“The UA VIP program stood out from other programs because they offer the ability to learn a new trade and skill without having to use your GI bill,” LaRiviere said.
LaRiviere will begin his UA apprenticeship at Pipefitters Local 208 in Denver, Colo.
Army Staff Sgt. Kyle Hanley said his time in the UA VIP program has been great and he has enjoyed what he has learned so far.
“The UA VIP program is a challenge, but in a good way. It’s structured to where everything we’re learning is building on itself,” Hanley said. “Jeremy has been a fantastic instructor. He’s very patient and willing to go over things multiple times to ensure we understand how and why we do things.”
Hanley saw a flyer for the UA VIP program and became more interested when he heard more about it at the CSP brief.
“I enjoy working with my hands more than being behind a desk so a trade seemed like the best move,” Hanley said. “I did some research on pipefitting and welding and it seemed like a job I would enjoy.”
Hanley will begin his apprenticeship program at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 145 in Grand Junction, Colo.
LaRiviere and Hanley both recommend the UA VIP program to anyone looking to transition from the military to civilian life.
Benefits of the UA VIP program
The UA VIP program offers free training to service members in their last six months of military service. Students learn through both classroom instruction and hands-on training. 
After transitioning out of the military and graduating from the program, VIP students will be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.
Once they begin their apprenticeship, VIP graduates will work for a UA signatory contractor, where they will earn a livable wage and quickly qualify for full-family healthcare and retirement benefits.
Any active duty service member in their last six months of military commitment is encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.
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