JBLM Welding Class 32 begins

The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are preparing for a civilian career in the pipe trades. 

The students began their accelerated UA training in Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding Class 32 on Nov. 12. 

The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program, created to help active-duty service members transition from the military to a new civilian career.

Over the next 118 days, Class 32 students will learn the fundamentals of welding to prepare them for a future welding career. 

After Class 32 students graduate from the UA VIP program and transition out of the military, they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor. 

Air Force Senior Airman Tony Fountain was attracted to UA VIP over other DOD SkillBridge programs because of the guaranteed job placement and because he knew he wanted to begin a career where he could work with his hands. 

“I was browsing SkillBridge programs when I came across the UA VIP program,” Fountain said. “I did more research about it and I knew it was what I wanted to do for a long-term career.” 

Fountain is eager to learn as much as he can during his time in Class 32 so he can be the best apprentice he can be when he enters the work force. 

“At first, I thought we would learn mainly welding, but I can already see we will be very well rounded and learn the things that should be known by a person in this career field in order to successfully get a job done,” Fountain said. 

Marine Cpl. Miguel Martinez Barron is eager to learn the basics of welding to prepare him for a civilian career. 

“I joined the UA VIP program because I saw it as the best opportunity to start a new career,” he said. 

Martinez Barron was encouraged to join the UA VIP program by a friend who is currently completing the program at Camp Lejeune. 

The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following seven military installations:

• Camp Pendleton (welding)
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
• Fort Carson (welding)
• Fort Cavazos (welding)
• Camp Lejeune (welding)
• Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
• Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)

 Join UA VIP today 

The UA VIP program teaches students the basics of welding, HVACR or fire suppression through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. 

After graduating and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP students are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program where they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor. 

While working as apprentices, VIP graduates will receive good wages and comprehensive healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. 

As apprentices continue to learn and grow their skills, they will quickly qualify for regular wage increases. 

If you or someone you know is an active-duty service member in the last six months of military commitment, please consider applying for the UA VIP program to start a rewarding civilian career.