Halfway through Welding Class 17 at Fort Campbell, Army Spc. Steven Scherrer is pleasantly pleased with the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program. Everything is going smoothly. The class is challenging, but Scherrer has all the tools he needs to succeed.
“I am adjusting very well,” he said. “The class is structured great. The UA VIP program allows someone to learn how to weld and progressively gets harder. You learn how to do better as you complete each task.”
The beauty of the UA VIP program is that students can start from scratch with little to no prior welding skills. Over the course of 18 weeks, the eight transitioning active-duty service members in the class will learn the basics of welding. They earn industry recognized certifications that propel their progress into registered apprenticeships after they complete the program and transition out of the military.
The students are learning oxy fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
“Going into the program, I was a little nervous,” admitted Army Spc. Nicholas Guyon. “But the instructors were very informative and willing to help. I joined the program in order to gain more welding experience before I join a union after military service.”
Once they complete the program and transition out of the military, they will enroll in registered apprenticeships at an agreed upon location. Each student has already requested the location of the desired UA Local. Requested locations include Orlando, Nashville and Houston.
It’s not just school — the UA VIP program starts a career
For Guyon, the UA VIP program stood out among other Army Career Skills Programs for transitioning military members because of its promise of a guaranteed job upon completion of class and military service.
“I think the UA VIP program is the best opportunity to take when transitioning,” Guyon said. “It makes the process easier knowing you will have a good career after military service. I’d highly recommend it.”
Thanks to the UA VIP program, transitioning active-duty service members enter a UA union at an agreed upon location and begin a registered apprenticeship program. They earn good pay and quality healthcare for themselves and their family. They earn a pension and a 401K for their retirement. Their pay steadily increases as they progress through the program.
“The UA VIP program places you in the union of your choice and gives you a great career,” Scherrer said. “Anyone thinking of applying needs to understand this isn’t just a school — it's an actual career you're applying for.”
Career skills programs for military transitioning are available in welding, HVACR and fire sprinkler fitting.
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