Naval Station Norfolk HVAC-R Class 20 students have begun their 18 weeks of training to prepare for new civilian careers in the pipe trades.
These transitioning active-duty service members are a part of the United Association Veterans In Piping (UA VIP) program, which offers free career training to military members who will soon re-enter civilian life.
For Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Simpkins, the decision to apply for the UA VIP was mainly based on guaranteed employment.
“I was attracted to the UA VIP program because they guaranteed job placement for a skilled trade that I want to make into a career,” he said.
The UA VIP program is a DOD Skillbridge program designed to not only reduce veteran unemployment rates, but to also increase the number of men and women in the pipe trades. The program features professional training, guaranteed job placement and mental health support for participants and graduates. It also does not require the use of G.I. benefits.
Class 20 students will earn certifications in HVAC refrigeration, UA 51 brazing, OSHA and many more. The accelerated HVACR program is a 720-hour intensive training opportunity covering general heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration responsibilities.
“My goal for the UA VIP program is to be a good student and learn as much as possible,” Simpkins said. “I also want to obtain all the certifications offered in the program.”
Students will graduate with the basic ability to help install and maintain heating, cooling and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial applications.
Future job-specific applications include complete gas piping installations, high voltage electrical components and system testing, analysis and start-up.
UA VIP training is available at seven military bases across the country:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord offers training in welding and HVAC.
- Camp Pendleton offers training in welding.
- Fort Carson offers training in welding.
- Fort Cavazos offers training in welding.
- Camp Lejeune offers training in welding.
- Fort Campbell offers training in welding and fire suppression.
- Naval Station Norfolk offers training in HVAC.
If you are interested in applying to the UA VIP program, but your military installation is not listed above, click here to see FAQ page and obtain the necessary paperwork to apply.
Active-duty service members to union construction workers
“Once I transition out of the UA VIP program and am placed in a Local Union, I want to be a competent apprentice who is dependable, willing to learn and a great employee,” Simpkins added about his future endeavors.
Upon graduation and transition out of the military, Simpkins and his fellow Class 20 graduates will be placed in a UA Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon geographic location within the U.S.
As apprentices, they will work for one of the Local’s signatory contractors and earn a good, living wage with full-family health insurance and a pension. They will also receive mandatory classroom training to help round out their education.
After they complete their apprenticeship, Class 20 graduates will become UA Journeymen.
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