In July, the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program Naval Station Norfolk HVAC-R Class 7 visited a major piping industry project occurring on the base.
Johnson Controls, a great supporter of the UA VIP Program, invited the class to tour Naval Station Norfolk’s new cogeneration plant.
During the field trip, UA VIP members saw work being performed by employees of Warrick Mechanical, who are helping to construct the new cogeneration facility on the base. They also spoke to Warrick employees and learned what they expect out of their employees on the jobsite. Warrick Mechanical currently has 11 UA VIP graduates working for them.
Cogeneration is a high-efficiency energy system that produces both electricity heat from a single fuel source. It offers major economic and environmental benefits because it turns otherwise wasted heat into a useful energy source. This greater efficiency helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions by up to two-thirds when compared to conventional energy systems.
The cogeneration plant is powered by a gas turbine generator, which is connected to a waste heat boiler. The turbine will create electricity through captured exhaust gasses, and also supply steam to the naval base for heating needs.
Once the project is finished, the cogeneration plant will require a full maintenance crew, which will be managed by the local Johnson Controls branch. A UA VIP graduate who works for Johnson Controls will have the responsibility to manage this crew.
Since the 18-week free training program began on May 29, the members of UA VIP Naval Station Norfolk HVAC-R Class 7 have learned about the piping trades and the skills needed to have a successful career.
Upon successful completion of the UA VIP Program and successful transition out of the armed forces, UA VIP graduates will begin their careers in the piping industry with a United Association signatory contractor in an agreed upon geographical area. These guaranteed jobs will provide UA VIP members with livable wages and excellent health and retirement benefits, which helps alleviate the stress faced by some service members who transition out of the military without a job.
Upon their transition out of the military, UA VIP graduates will also enter a five-year UA apprenticeship program, where they will receive additional classroom instruction and hands-on training to increase their skillset. As they progress through the apprenticeship program, apprentices will receive raises to reflect their improved skills.
If you are an active-duty service member who is thinking about transitioning out of the military, click here to learn more about the Naval Station Norfolk UA VIP Program.
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