JBLM Welding Class 34: Celebrating New Careers in the Pipe Trades

The students in JBLM Welding Class 34 graduated from the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.

After months of training and hands-on time in the welding booths, the students are ready to transition back to civilian life upon completing their military commitment.

That next chapter will take them to UA Locals across the country, where they will begin their DOL-registered UA apprenticeship and are guaranteed job placement.

A Standard Earned in the Booth

Welding is a craft that rewards discipline and consistency, qualities that these transitioning active-duty military service members learned during their training at Joint Base-Lewis McChord (JBLM).

As UA VIP Instructor Jeremy Rivero reminded the participants, they had to prove themselves.

“In the booth, the machine doesn't care about your rank. It only cares about your arc, your angle and your consistency,” he said. “You proved you have all three.”

This mindset — show up, do the work and meet the standard — has carried the members of Welding Class 34 not only through their military service, but through VIP training. It will give them a leg up when they begin their UA apprenticeship.

Where Class 34 Graduates Are Going

All JBLM Welding Class 34 graduates worked with program administrators to select a geographic location in the U.S. to begin their apprenticeship. This includes:

• Waco, Texas – Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529
• Seattle – UA Local 32
• Western Washington – UA Local 26
• Las Vegas – UA Local 525 Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians
• Boise, Idaho – UA Local 296
• Anchorage, Alaska – UA Local 367
• Rochester, Minn. – UA Local 6 Plumbers and Pipefitters

A Proven Pathway: UA Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program

UA VIP is a DOW SkillBridge program designed to help transitioning active-duty military service members in their last six months of service prepare for a civilian career.

Through a 118-day, 720-hour curriculum, UA VIP students gain in-demand welding skills and industry certifications. VIP graduates are well-prepared to enter the UA’s five-year Registered Apprenticeship Programs, where they will build a career without taking on student debt.

They will also earn good wages, receive full-family health insurance and earn an excellent retirement package, including a pension and 401 (k).

For many students, the program’s structure and safety culture are just as important as the technical training. It was a selling point that Welding Class 34 graduate, U.S Army Combat Engineer James Harvey, and one he would tell future VIP students.

“Trust the process and listen to the instructor,” he said. “Ask questions and do research. Safety is the biggest priority. Don't cut corners.”

The UA VIP program offers nine programs at the following seven military installations:

• Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Welding and HVACR)
• Camp Pendleton (Welding)
• Fort Carson (Welding)
• Fort Hood (Welding)
• Camp Lejeune (Welding)
• Fort Campbell (Welding and Fire Suppression)
• Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)

Congratulations, Class 34

The entire UA family celebrates the achievements of JBLM Welding Class 34 and looks forward to your continued success. Welcome to the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the UA — and to a future built on skill, solidarity and opportunity.

Interested in the UA VIP Program? Visit uavip.org/apply to learn more about welding and HVAC training opportunities for transitioning active-duty military service members at JBLM.