The UA VIP students are halfway through their accelerated HVAC-R training at Naval Station Norfolk.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition back into civilian life with guaranteed job placement.
At this point in their training, HVAC-R Class 21 students will start the process of selecting what UA Local Union they will join and start their DOL-registered apprenticeship program.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Vasquez will complete his five-year apprenticeship program at Local 10 in Richmond, Va.
Students are placed at an agreed-upon location with a United Association Local Union anywhere in the country.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Calderon will go to Washington D.C. to complete his apprenticeship at Steamfitters Local 602.
Other students in the class will be going to Pipefitters Local 597 in Chicago and Pipefitters Local 211 in Houston.
Students will have roughly nine more weeks to finish earning industry-recognized skill certifications including OSHA 30, EPA 608, GWP/A2L Refrigerant Safety and UA-51 Brazing.
As apprentices, future HVAC-R Class 21 graduates will continue to learn and improve their industry knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
The skills and dedication military members have made them valuable assets to the workforce and UA VIP wants to equip them with the resources necessary to succeed.
Active-duty service members in their last six months of service who are ready to start planning their future are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program, which is offered at the following military installations:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Camp Pendleton
- Camp Lejeune
- Fort Campbell
- Fort Carson
- Fort Cavazos
- Naval Station Norfolk
Benefits of being in the UA
After HVAC-R Class 21 students graduate from the UA VIP program and transition out of the military, they will join a UA-registered apprenticeship program and begin working for a UA signatory contractor.
While working as an apprentice, UA VIP graduates will make a livable wage and qualify for full-family medical benefits and retirement benefits including a 401K and pension.
Apprentices will eventually become journeymen which will create even more career paths for themselves leading to further advancement in the pipe trades industry.
The work that HVAC-R technicians do is critical for businesses, individuals, healthcare centers and other buildings.
If you’re a transitioning active-duty service member in your last six months of service and looking for guaranteed job security, consider applying for the UA VIP program today.
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