The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are training for a career in the pipe trades.
The students in Fort Campbell Welding Class 23 have begun learning the basics of welding through classroom learning and hands-on training.
UA VIP is a DoD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from a life in the military to a rewarding civilian career.
Army Spc. Leonard Cobb took a welding class in high school and was interested in learning more about the trade as he prepares to transition out of the military.
“I’ve always been interested in welding and being able to craft two pieces of a solid object into one solid piece,” Cobb said.
While he is in the VIP program, Cobb hopes to learn as much as he can and earn every certification possible.
Army Sgt. Alexander Aguilar was interested in the UA VIP program because of the guaranteed job placement, no use of his GI Bill money and because he comes from a family of welders.
Aguilar found out about the program at a Career Skills Program briefing. That is also where he obtained the VIP application.
“During my time in the UA VIP program, my goal is to learn how to properly fit, weld and read prints,” he said. “I want to learn as much as possible.”
Cobb, Aguilar and the other welding students in Class 23 will have the opportunity to earn certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GRAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
Military members bring valuable skills and experiences to the piping industry. These skills are highly valued by UA signatory contractors.
UA VIP information
The UA VIP offers training in welding, HVAC-R and fire suppression at the following seven installations:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Camp Pendleton
- Fort Carson
- Fort Cavazos
- Camp Lejeune
- Fort Campbell
- Naval Station Norfolk
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students will immediately be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location with guaranteed job placement.
While working as apprentices, VIP graduates will earn a livable wage and receive comprehensive benefits. As apprentices continue to learn the fundamentals of the trade, they will qualify for wage increases.
After completing the apprenticeship program, VIP graduates will become UA journeymen. Journeymen can go on to eventually become foremen, superintendents, instructors, UA signatory contractors and more.
Active-duty service members in their last six months of service are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.
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