The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another cohort of transitioning active-duty service members.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR Class 33 brings together dedicated individuals ready to start their journey toward a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from the military to a rewarding civilian career.
Journeyman instructor Dave Gibson will teach Class 33 through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction.
Army Spc. Trey Bettincourt worked in HVAC during his time in the military and knew he wanted to make it a career when he transitioned out.
“My personal goal is to get into a union so I can provide a better life for my family,” he said.
Bettincourt’s grandpa told him about UA VIP and after looking through the UA VIP website, he knew it was the right program for him.
Bettincourt is eager to begin his apprenticeship once he transitions out of the military and continue learning from journeymen at his future Local Union.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Elijah Lachapelle discovered the UA VIP program while looking through the available opportunities on the SkillBridge website.
“I wanted to join because the program offers guaranteed job placement and the chance to keep learning,” Lachapelle said.
His goals during his time in the program are to learn as much as possible and graduate with certificates.
“When I start my apprenticeship, I will work to be a great apprentice and continue to learn and use my skills to be a great asset to the union,” Lachapelle said.
Apply for UA VIP today
UA VIP graduates are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor, allowing them to start their apprenticeship smoothly after transitioning from the military.
All UA apprentices earn good union wages as they expand their knowledge of the trade.
The UA offers extensive opportunities to advance your career. After VIP graduates complete their five-year apprenticeship, they will become journeymen, paving the way for excellent career opportunities and the potential for career advancement.
The UA VIP is offered at seven military bases nationwide:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Hood (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
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