Former Army Sgt. Nicholas Bartolus has spent the years since his 2015 transition from the armed forces building a career in the pipe trades, and now he's helping train the next generation.
A graduate of the United Association’s Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVAC-R Class 3, Bartolus turned out as a journeyman in 2020. He currently works for Murphy Company in Denver. The Pipefitters Local 208 member has also started serving as a welding instructor at the Local’s Training Center.
What is UA VIP?
UA VIP is a DoW SkillBridge program that helps transitioning active-duty service members move from the military into the piping industry. Over 118 days, students complete 720 hours of training where they learn the basic skills in one of three crafts — HVACR, welding or sprinkler fitting. The instruction includes opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications. Graduates are guaranteed a job and direct entry into a United Association Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they will continue their training while immediately earning good wages, full-family medical insurance and strong retirement benefits.
A Smooth Transition Built on Shared Values
UA VIP is designed to help ease the transition from military back to civilian life. Oftentimes, veterans struggle to find work after leaving the armed forces. UA VIP helps them through guaranteed job placement in an agreed-upon geographic area.
“It was a smooth transition, switching over to another organization that embodies a lot of the same morals,” Bartolus said about his move from the Army into the UA.
Real Preparation for a Real Career
Bartolus said the depth of the training is what he believes sets UA VIP apart from other transition programs he considered.
“The program gave me a lot of tools and certificates to start my career,” he said.
Another factor setting UA VIP apart is how the training prepares participants for their actual jobs.
“The amount of time spent on actually preparing us for a real career path was a big difference between UA VIP and other SkillBridge options,” Bartolus added.
From Journeyman to Instructor
Since completing his apprenticeship and turning out in 2020, Bartolus has worked on pharmaceutical and chemical plant projects with Murphy Co. in Denver.
However, just working on the tools was not enough for him. He wanted to give back.
Bartolus is now in his fifth year serving the Local JATC as a part-time welding instructor, where he teaches the next generation of UA apprentices, as they work to become highly skilled and highly trained journeymen.
Advice for Future VIP Applicants
Bartolus said he'd encourage any transitioning service member to apply to the VIP program.
“Do it; it’s such a great opportunity,” he said. “The union has so many options of employment.”
Bartolus's story is one of the many UA VIP graduates who have built careers in the pipe trades. Read more success stories from graduates across the country.
If you are a transitioning active-duty service member interested in a guaranteed career in the pipe trades, visit uavip.org/apply to learn more about the UA VIP Program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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