The UA VIP students in Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding Class 31 are officially halfway through their accelerated training.
By joining the UA VIP program, these transitioning active-duty service members have guaranteed themselves a smooth transition into a successful civilian career in the pipe trades that will begin immediately after they leave the military.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active duty service members transition into rewarding civilian careers by providing on-base training during their last six months of military commitment.
At this point in their training, Welding Class 31 students have begun selecting the UA Local Union they will join and start their DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program.
Army CBRN Spc. Dmitri Enoye credits Instructor Jeremy Rood for his smooth transition and said he understands what’s required of him and believes he has been given enough time to complete the work.
Enoye learned about the UA VIP program after seeing on-base advertisements. Despite being challenging, learning how to weld has been very enjoyable, he said.
“I’ve learned a lot about what to expect when I go out to jobsites,” Enoye said. “We’ve been putting in a lot of hard work that makes me more confident in being successful when I start my apprenticeship.”
So far, Enoye has learned about safety, tools and what the UA stands for. His favorite part of class has been the hands-on training.
“We’ve spent a lot of time in the shop and it is hard work,” Enoye said. “It’s rewarding to feel myself getting a little better at welding each week.”
Enoye decided to join the UA VIP program because he wanted to work with his hands, develop valuable skills and have a job that can support his family.
“I think the VIP program offers military members like me a path toward having those things in life,” he said.
Enoye will begin his apprenticeship program with UA Local 26 in Western Washington.
More info about JBLM Welding Class 31
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students in Welding Class 31 will be placed at an agreed-upon location where they will complete a five-year apprenticeship.
Enoye’s classmates will be placed with Local Unions across the country. Some will stay in Washington and others plan to relocate to various parts of Texas, West Virginia and Colorado.
“The VIP program is a clear and honest offer and if you do the program, you will learn skills that will help you in your apprenticeship,” Enoye said.
Enoye encourages all active-duty service members considering transitioning out of the military to apply for the UA VIP program.
“If you’re willing to work hard and learn new skills, this is the best program for you,” Enoye said.
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