Justin Bockway was a Marine Sergeant when he joined the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program in 2023 to learn the skills necessary for a civilian career in the pipe trades.
He completed his VIP welding training at Camp Lejeune and is now an apprentice with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 521 in Huntington, W Va.
“The VIP program provided the smoothest transition possible due to the abundance of work and amazing pay,” Bockway said. 
Bockway feels the UA VIP program helped prepare him for all the work he has encountered. So far, Bockway has made hangers, welded stainless steel, rigged pipe, drilled concrete and more.
“In this line of work, you do something new every day,” Bockway said. “The ability to work and learn is endless.”
Bockway credits the instructors he had during his time in Camp Lejeune Welding Class 24 for preparing him for a career in the pipe trades.
“I don’t know much about other SkillBridge programs, so it’s not fair to compare,” Bockway said. “However, what I will say is that what made the VIP program such a great experience was the instructors, Greg and Rachel. They help prepare you for what’s to come out on the job and it helped tremendously.”
Bockway recommends the VIP program to anyone who is looking to transition from the military to civilian life.
“You have to have a great attitude and a good work ethic and in return, you gain a very respectable and practical skill,” Bockway said. “You’ll also make more money than most people you know.”
The UA VIP program has given Bockway the ability to provide for his family better than ever before.
“I have a wife, four kids, multiple animals and a good bit of bills and I am the sole financial provider,” Bockway said. “We were able to survive financially in the military, but now we are able to thrive. The days may be long and the work may be hard, but here you have the ability to make six figures a year and it has truly been a blessing for my family and me.”
Apply for the UA VIP program
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program, designed to help military members smoothly transition out of the military and back to civilian life.
The program guarantees job placement at an agreed-upon location nationwide and direct entry into the UA’s five-year apprenticeship program.
VIP graduates earn good union wages during their apprenticeship and will quickly qualify for quality health insurance not only for themselves but also for their families.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at the following military installations:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding, HVACR)
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
If you or someone you know is an active-duty service member preparing to transition out of the service, please apply today.
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