The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomes another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are preparing for a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
The students began their UA VIP training in Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 23 on Aug. 19.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active duty service members transition from the military to a new civilian career.
Over the next 118 days, Class 23 students will learn the basics for a future career as an HVACR service technician. During this time, students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that will propel their careers when they begin their UA apprenticeships.
Graduating with guaranteed job placement is what attracted Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrian Casiano to the UA VIP program. He is excited to learn more about HVACR and the UA.
“While I’m in the UA VIP program, I hope to learn everything I possibly can, if not more, and have a general knowledge of the trade to make myself useful and succeed in the union,” Casiano said.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Rafael Orona applied for the program on the UA VIP website and is excited to broaden his knowledge of the pipe trades.
“During my time in the UA VIP program, I will take advantage of every opportunity I get,” Orona said.
After he transitions out of the military and becomes an apprentice, Orona hopes to continue learning so he can continue to progress into better-paying positions.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following seven military bases:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
Apply for the UA VIP program
For 118 days, UA VIP students learn the basics of welding, HVACR or fire suppression through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
After graduating and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP students are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location, where they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor.
Once VIP graduates begin their apprenticeship, they will receive good wages and comprehensive healthcare. As apprentices grow their skills, they will qualify for wage increases.
After apprentices top out and become journeymen, they will open the door to even more career advancement opportunities.
Active-duty service members in their last six months of military commitment are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program and start a rewarding civilian career.
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