U.S. Marine Cpl. Tyler Elliottmills transitioned out of the military in 2022, and since then, he has spent his working days welding his way across Cincinnati.
A graduate of the United Association’s Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program Camp Pendleton Welding Class 36, Elliottmills is now a fifth-year apprentice with UA Local 392 in Cincinnati, working for Peck, Hannaford & Briggs Co.
What is UA VIP?
The UA VIP Program is a DoW SkillBridge program that helps transitioning active-duty service members move from the military into rewarding civilian careers in the pipe trades. Over a 118-day period, students learn basic skills in one of three crafts — HVACR, welding or sprinkler fitting. The 720 hours of training provide students with the opportunity to earn various industry-recognized certifications.
VIP Graduates are guaranteed a job and direct entry into a five-year UA Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they expand their skillset, while earning good wages, full-family medical insurance and strong retirement benefits, without any student debt.
Discovering a Passion for Pipefitting
Before applying to the UA VIP program, Elliottmills knew he wanted to work with his hands, but he wasn't sure exactly where that would lead.
“I knew I wanted to do something with welding, and I didn't know too much about pipefitting,” he said. “Once I was accepted into the program, I got a huge idea of what kind of work I was getting into and knew I wanted to pursue the career.”
A Smooth Transition Into the Union
“UA VIP made the transition very smooth, showing me what work was going to be like and helping me get a step into the union,” Elliottmills said.
He credits the Welding Class 36 with giving him a genuine head start on the tools of the trade.
“It prepared me for pipefitting by getting me into welding and giving me a head start into welding,” he said, adding he aspires to be “the best welder in our Local.”
Building a Career Across Cincinnati
Since graduating, Elliottmills has taken on a wide range of welding work throughout the region.
“I've worked all over Cincinnati, welding anywhere from working at steel mills to working in hospitals,” he said.
Now a fifth-year apprentice with Local 392, Elliottmills admitted the skill set he's had to keep building on is layout. Like every UA apprentice, he's continuing to learn on the job, and the head start he got at Camp Pendleton has given him a strong base to work from.
Advice for Future VIP Applicants
Elliottmills said the program is well worth it for anyone who likes working with their hands.
“It's definitely worth it, and a huge step into the career,” he said. “If you are very hands-on with work, then the VIP is perfect.”
Elliottmills's story is one of many UA VIP graduates who are building rewarding civilian 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/camp-pendleton-vip-opportunities to learn more about the UA VIP Program at Camp Pendleton.
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