--- title: UA VIP grad says program helped him begin a successful career description: Army Sgt. Connor Higgins has found success after transitioning from the military and starting a career as an HVACR technician through the UA VIP program. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/IMG_0843%20(2).jpg --- [![United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/uavip-logo.svg "United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo")](https://www.uavip.org/) UNITED ASSOCIATION VETERANS IN PIPING PROGRAM [![Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png?width=798&height=798&name=ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png "Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo")](https://www.ua.org/) Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians [Ë](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/ua-vip-grad-says-program-helped-him-begin-a-successful-career#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP grad says program helped him begin a successful career - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Jun 2, 2025 11:14:41 AM ![](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/IMG_0843%20(2).jpg) After transitioning out of the military in 2013, Army Sgt. Connor Higgins began an exciting new chapter as a union welder, launching his civilian career in the skilled trades.  Before leaving the service, Higgins enrolled in the UA VIP program as a member of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding Class 1, where he learned the basics of welding.![IMG_9975-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9975-1.png?width=219&height=409&name=IMG_9975-1.png) UA VIP is a [DOD SkillBridge](https://skillbridge.osd.mil/) program that offers transitioning military members the opportunity to learn new skills that lead to rewarding civilian careers in the pipe trades.  After graduating from the UA VIP program, Higgins relocated to Boston to begin his apprenticeship with[ UA Local 537](https://pipefitters537.org/), where he is now a journeyman. Higgins said he is grateful for the UA VIP program because it gave him the skills and knowledge to transition into a successful career.  “Transitioning out of the military was a difficult experience for me, but the VIP program made the transition from the military into a career with the UA seamless,” he said. Despite several Career Skills and SkillBridge programs available to transitioning service members, the UA VIP program stood out the most to Higgins because of its opportunities and benefits.  “The UA gives you the skills to enter a new career field even if you have no experience in it,” Higgins said. “They teach you and help place you so you can get to work right away. Starting work right after the military saved me a lot of time, stress and money.”  Higgins said he felt well-rounded after graduating from the program and has not felt unprepared while working, thanks to the skills he learned from his UA VIP instructors. ![IMG_6037](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6037.jpg?width=322&height=227&name=IMG_6037.jpg)Since transitioning over 10 years ago, Higgins has worked on many projects, including steam, hot water, chilled water, refrigeration, big jobs, small jobs, airports, housing projects and more.  “The VIP program was the first step in a career that has given me everything I have today,” Higgens said. “I’m forever grateful and indebted to the program, the people who run and advocate for the VIP program and the friends I’ve made through it.”  ## Join the UA VIP program today  After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP graduates will be placed with a UA Local Union at an agreed-upon location to begin their five-year apprenticeship with guaranteed job placement. ![IMG_0843 (2)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0843%20(2).jpg?width=411&height=308&name=IMG_0843%20(2).jpg) During their apprenticeship, UA VIP graduates will earn good union wages and quality health insurance, including a pension and a 401K.  After completing their apprenticeships, UA VIP graduates will achieve journeymen status, opening doors for more career advancement opportunities.  The UA VIP program offers 118 days of accelerated training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at [seven military installations](https://www.uavip.org/participating-bases) across the country.  Active-duty service members considering transitioning out of the military are encouraged to visit the [UA VIP website](https://www.uavip.org/) to learn more.  [Success Stories](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/success-stories)  |   [UA VIP Graduate](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-graduate)  |   [UA Local 537](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-local-537)  |   [Connor Higgins](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/connor-higgins) ##### Comments ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") Pipefitters Local 455, St. Paul, MN, Apprentice David Adams (VIP graduate, Wisconsin Welding Class 2) is pictured on the job working for Pioneer Piping, Incorporated (PPI) at the Flint Hills Refinery in MN. ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2.jpg "Camp Pendleton") ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg "Camp Pendleton") Camp Pendleton VIP Graduate turned out as Journeyman and makes a life in Butte, MT, with Local 41. ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02.jpg "Orry graduated") ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg "Orry graduated") Orry graduated on April 9, 2015 and affiliated with UA Local 455, St. Paul, MN. ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01.jpg "Jerry Heneha") ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg "Jerry Heneha") Sgt. Jerry Heneha, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery, puts together a valve system in preparation for his final week of the United Association's Veterans in Piping program at the Industrial Training Complex Photo Credit: Ms. Marie Berberea (TRADOC) ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg?width=217&height=169&name=Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") Fort Sill's inaugural Sprinkler Fitter class began on 2 March 2015. ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and 1SG William Davidson presented their instructors Louis Purcella and Micah Tyler with a momentum from the class. ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") SGT Howard Nash is headed to Harrisburg, PA, to affiliate with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 520. ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038.jpg "Gail Pilecki") ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg "Gail Pilecki") Gail Pilecki was so proud of her son, SGT Jeremy Pilecki, on graduation day. SGT Pilecki will make his home in Houston, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017.jpg "William Davidson") ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg "William Davidson") 1SG William Davidson gave the graduate testimonial. He will remain with his family in Waco, TX, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_sm.jpg "Michael Olsen") ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg "Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and his wife, Amanda, will remain in the area, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_sm.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") Alysa and SPC Chad Eberle will be heading to San Antonio, TX, with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142. ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_sm.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") SGT Lawrence Beller, his wife, Brittney, and daughter, Nahla, will be making Houston, TX, their home, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. Mouse over thumbnails to view larger videos and photos or view entire [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery). ## News & Happenings ##### [More News & Happenings](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings) ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) --- ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www-uavip-org.sandbox.hs-sites.com/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) --- ## News & Happenings [News](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings)