Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 25 students have started their on-base training as they prepare to transition from military service to civilian careers through the UA VIP program.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge initiative that was created to help active-duty service members transition from the military into a rewarding civilian career.
Over the next 118 days, Class 25 students will learn the basics necessary for a future career as an HVACR service technician.
Before they graduate, Class 25 students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that will propel their careers when they begin their UA apprenticeships.
Graduating with a guaranteed job is what attracted U.S. Army Sgt. Emmanuel Agyarko to the UA VIP program.
“I’ve always wanted to work for a union and the VIP program gets me into one,” Agyarko said. “My goals are to learn and to become one of the best at what I do.”
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Vasquez is excited to learn more about HVACR and the UA.
“I liked that the UA VIP Program provides all the training needed to get certified in HVACR and that they help us get a job anywhere we want,” Vasquez said.
After he graduates and transitions out of the military, Vasquez hopes what he learned in the UA VIP program will allow him to have a long civilian career.
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)
UA apprenticeship training
After Class 25 students graduate from the UA VIP program and transition out of the military, they will begin an apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon UA Local Union.
Once they have started their apprenticeships, VIP graduates will earn quality wages and benefits for themselves and their families. Apprentices will qualify for regular wage increases as they progress through the apprenticeship program and expand their skill set.
The UA VIP program believes service members have the discipline and skill set necessary to succeed in the piping industry.
If you are an active-duty service member preparing to transition out of the military and want to secure a future in the pipe trades, apply for the UA VIP program.
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