Another United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program class has started preparing a group of students who will soon transition out of the military.
Over the next 18 weeks, students in Naval Station Norfolk HVAC-R Class 21 will learn the basics for a future career in the heating and cooling service industry.
The UA VIP program was the perfect opportunity for Petty Officer 2nd Class Larry Tyler who has always had an interest in HVACR work.
While in the program, Tyler will work to obtain HVACR certificates that will give him a leg up when he joins an apprenticeship program with a UA-affiliated local union.
“My goal for the UA apprenticeship program, after I transition and get placed with a Local Union, is to learn as much as I can on service tech and construction,” he said.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program, designed to reduce veteran unemployment rates while increasing the number of men and women in the pipe trades.
Participants will receive professional training and guaranteed job placement. The UA VIP program will support participants every step of the way.
Other students, like Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Vasquez, were interested in the program because of the guaranteed job opportunity at the end.
Vasquez found out about the program from a SkillBridge Network group on Facebook and got the program application from the UA VIP website.
“My goal for my time in the VIP program is to do my best and to apply everything I learn into my apprenticeship,” he said.
After completing the UA apprenticeship program, his goal is to eventually come back to UA VIP and become an instructor.
UA VIP training is available at seven military bases across the country.
- Camp Pendleton, California
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Fort Carson, Colorado
- Fort Cavazos, Texas
- Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
- Fort Campbell, Kentucky
- Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
What to expect in the UA VIP program
Students in Class 21 can earn various certificates including OSHA, UA 51 brazing and more. The accelerated program trains students through both classroom learning and hands-on training.
After graduating, students will possess fundamental skills in the installation and maintenance of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in various settings, including residential, commercial, institutional and industrial applications.
Students will be placed in a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location within the U.S.
While working as an apprentice, the graduates will earn a living wage with full-family health insurance and a pension.
Transitioning active-duty military service members looking to begin a civilian career in the piping industry are encouraged to apply.
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