Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 27 Graduates from UA VIP Program

Members of Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 27 graduated from the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program, marking the completion of their pre-apprenticeship training and the start of their transition to civilian pipe trades careers.

Over the course of the DoW SkillBridge program, journeyman instructors guide the class through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, building the foundational skills needed to succeed as HVACR technicians.

As part of the curriculum, graduates have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications in HVAC refrigeration, UA 51 brazing and OSHA-30 that help the UA VIP graduates stand out once they begin their apprenticeship.

After the Class 27 graduates transition out of the military, they will begin their civilian careers. All UA VIP graduates are guaranteed a job and direct entry into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship after they transition out of the military.

A Proven Pathway: UA VIP

For more than a decade, the UA VIP Program has helped transitioning active-duty service members prepare for good-paying, in-demand civilian careers after they leave the military.

During 118 days totalling 720-hours of pre-apprenticeship training, UA VIP students learn basic pipe trade skills in one of three crafts: HVACR, welding or sprinkler fitting.

Once VIP participants graduate and transition out of the military, they enter the UA’s five-year Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they will continue to build on their newly acquired skill set without taking on student debt.

VIP graduates are also guaranteed jobs with a UA signatory contractor in an agreed-upon geographic location. They will receive direct entry into that area’s UA Local Union and enjoy all the benefits of being a UA member, including good wages, excellent full-family medical insurance and great retirement benefits.

Where the Graduates Are Going

Working with program administrators, all Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 27 graduates identified the UA Local Union where they will begin their apprenticeship. In the coming months, graduates will transition out of the military and move to the following areas and join these UA Local Unions:

• Fort Wayne, Ind. – UA Local 166
• Norfolk, Va. – UA Local 110
• Phoenix – UA Local 469

An Eye-Opening Experience

For U.S. Army Combat Engineer and HVACR Class 27 graduate Mark Edwards Jr., the program shed light on just how much there is to learn in the trade — and he came away with a deeper appreciation for what the curriculum covers.

“It was eye-opening on how little I knew about the HVAC system and construction work,” said Edwards.

When reflecting on the depth of instruction, he felt the program made the most of the time available.

“With the time allowed for service members to attend, I believe every topic was well instructed,” he said.

Advice for Future VIP Students From the Graduates

When asked what advice they would offer future VIP students, Class 27 graduates pointed to curiosity, preparation and the willingness to push through uncertainty.

Navy Hull Maintenance Technician Joseph Cole encouraged incoming students to lean into the learning process and not let the fear of being wrong hold them back.

“Study, look things up and ask questions,” he said. “Don’t be scared to get something wrong. Now’s the time to do it.”

Edwards offered straightforward guidance for anyone considering the program.

“Visit the website, do your research and understand what you’re working towards,” he said.

Congratulations, Naval Station Norfolk Class 27

Graduation is a milestone, but it is also the beginning of what comes next. The graduates from Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 27 have proven they can handle the pace, do the work and stay committed to learning.

Congratulations to the Class 27 graduates. The UA family is proud of your accomplishment and looks forward to seeing you on future jobsites.

Interested in the UA VIP Program? Visit uavip.org/norfolk to learn more about HVACR training opportunities at Naval Station Norfolk for active-duty transitioning service members.