Former Army Spc. Lucero Davila is one of the UA VIP Program’s newest success stories.
A 2026 graduate of Fort Carson Welding Class 30, Davila is now a first-year apprentice with Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC Service Journeyman Local 58 in Colorado Springs, working for Olson Plumbing & Heating.
How UA VIP Helps Transitioning Active-Duty Military Service Members
The UA VIP Program is a DoW SkillBridge program that helps transitioning active-duty service members move from the military into the piping industry.
The 118-day, 720-hour curriculum provides participants with a basic industry education and teaches them skills in one of three crafts: HVACR, welding or sprinkler fitting. Additionally, participants can earn industry-recognized certifications that will benefit them at the next level.
Graduates are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor and direct entry into a UA Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they will begin a five-year, debt-free journey to becoming a journeyman. UA apprentices earn good wages, full-family medical insurance and strong retirement benefits.
Confidence for a New Chapter
For many members of the military, the transition from the armed forces to the civilian world is a significant step, often marked by uncertainty and stress.
UA VIP, however, helped alleviate some of the stress for Davila and gave her confidence throughout the process.
“The UA VIP Program gave me the skills and confidence to transition from the military into a civilian career,” Davila said. “It helped me understand the expectations of the trade, introduced me to union opportunities, and made the transition much less stressful.”
Military Discipline Meets Union Craft
The discipline built during her Army service translated directly into her new trade, Davila said.
“The military work ethic, discipline and teamwork translated well into the union environment, and the VIP Program helped bridge the gap by teaching the trade and preparing me for the apprenticeship,” she added.
Hands-On Training That Stood Out
Asked what set the program apart from other options, Davila pointed to the people as much as the curriculum.
“The hands-on training, experienced instructors and direct connection to the Registered Apprenticeship Program made the UA VIP Program stand out,” she said. “It provided real-world skills and a clear path to employment after leaving the military.”
Davila was quick to note that every jobsite still has its own way of doing things, but her foundation for doing them was built through her UA VIP training.
“Every jobsite is different, so I had to learn company-specific procedures and gain more field experience,” she said. “Overall, the VIP Program gave me a strong foundation that made learning those differences much easier.”
A First Year Full of Projects
In her first year as an apprentice, Davila has already worked on commercial plumbing projects, including installing piping systems, rough-ins and fixture installation and supporting new construction.
Early in her career, she is building a range of experience that will carry Davila through the rest of her five-year apprenticeship, as she continues to learn and expand her pipe trades skills.
Settling In as an Apprentice with Local 58
Now several months into her apprenticeship, Davila said the welcome she has received on various jobsites has matched the confidence UA VIP instilled in her.
“I'm officially working as a pipefitter through UA Local 58, and everything has been going really well,” she said. “Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and I have had a great experience so far. I really appreciate everything the Veterans in Piping Program did to help me get to this point.”
Advice for Future VIP Applicants
When it comes to offering advice to men and women considering transitioning out of the military, Davila urges them to look into UA VIP.
“Take advantage of the opportunity,” she said. “The UA VIP program provides valuable hands-on training, introduces you to a Registered Apprenticeship Program and gives you a clear career path with great pay, benefits and long-term opportunities.”
Davila's story is just one of the many from UA VIP graduates who have built rewarding civilian careers in the pipe trades. Read more success stories from UA VIP graduates across the country.
If you are a transitioning active-duty service member interested in a guaranteed career in the pipe trades, visit uavip.org/fort-carson-vip-opportunities to learn more about the UA VIP Program at Fort Carson.
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