Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 26 begins UA VIP program

The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members interested in training for a future civilian career in the pipe trades.

On Sept. 22, Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 26 began their accelerated UA VIP training.

The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from military life to a rewarding civilian lifestyle.

HVACR instructor Nastassia Leggett will teach Class 26 students the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration through classroom instruction and hands-on training.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Samuel Konda learned about the UA VIP program while exploring career opportunities for life after the military.

“I wanted to join VIP because it offers the opportunity to get my foot in the door of a good career,” Konda said. “I’m excited to learn as much as possible.”

The UA VIP program offers 118 days of accelerated training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at the following military installations:

• 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)

Learn more about UA VIP

The UA VIP program was founded in 2008 to help transitioning active-duty service members successfully start their civilian career upon the completion of their military commitment.

Since its creation, the program has helped thousands of transitioning active-duty service members begin rewarding civilian careers in the pipe trades.

After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students in Class 26 will be placed at an agreed-upon location to complete a five-year apprenticeship.

While working as apprentices, UA VIP graduates will earn good wages and full-family healthcare and retirement benefits.

Eventually, apprentices will top out and become experienced journeymen, opening up more career paths with the potential for further advancement in the piping industry.

Visit the UA VIP website to learn more about the program and its opportunities.