--- title: UA VIP graduate achieves journeyman status, opens side business description: UA VIP graduate Timothy “Robbie” Lanham is a Local 502 journeyman who recently started a side business while advancing his union welding career. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Lanham.jpeg --- [![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-graduate-achieves-journeyman-status-opens-side-business#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP graduate achieves journeyman status, opens side business - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Feb 10, 2025 9:00:00 AM ![Timothy ](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Lanham.jpeg) Timothy “Robbie” Lanham joined the UA VIP program when he decided to transition out of the military in 2018. ![Lanham](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lanham.jpeg?width=214&height=286&name=Lanham.jpeg) Six months prior, the Marine Corporal enrolled in Camp Lejeune Welding Class 11, where he learned the basics of welding. The UA VIP program is a [DOD SkillBridge](https://skillbridge.osd.mil/) program designed to help active-duty service members who are preparing to leave the service learn skills that will help them begin a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.  Now, Lanham is a journeyman with [UA Local 502](https://www.lu502.com/) in Kentucky, the same agreed-upon location he selected before graduating from the UA VIP program.  “The VIP program allowed me the opportunity to earn my UA-21 and start as a second-year apprentice with Local 502,” Lanham said. “Local 502 allows me to continue to advance in my career while earning an honest wage.”  There are several SkillBridge programs, but UA VIP seemed different to Lanham for a number of reasons. ![Lanham Lejeune2](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lanham%20Lejeune2.png?width=320&height=286&name=Lanham%20Lejeune2.png)“The direct partnership with the UA made VIP stand out to me,” he said. “It’s highly sought after by the individuals that are aware of it. It’s very competitive interviewing, and the application process also piqued my interest.” After he arrived at Local 502, Lanham immediately began working. He said his VIP training prepared him for every job he has encountered.  “I’ve worked at several chemical plants, distilleries and food-grade processing plants,” Lanham said. “I’ve had the chance to encounter several types of steels from carbon steel, stainless steel and nickel-based alloys such as Inconel and Hastelloy. I’ve been on several 100 percent X-ray jobs and welded on coded pressure vessels.”  Lanham would recommend the UA VIP program to anyone who is preparing to transition from the military back into civilian life. ![Lanham Marines](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lanham%20Marines.jpeg?width=459&height=306&name=Lanham%20Marines.jpeg) “I would tell any service member interested in applying to stay hungry and motivated because a program like this is hard to come by, and if you are afforded the opportunity, you have to take advantage of it,” Lanham said. “You get out what you put in. There’s a pool of knowledge these instructors are offering, and you must be ready and willing to soak it all up.” Lanham also utilized the skills he acquired from Camp Lejeune’s Welding Class 11 and his apprenticeship to launch his own side business, [Semper Dimes](https://www.facebook.com/100076708476842/videos/), specializing in crafting leather products and welding hoods. ## Start a civilian career with UA VIP  After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, 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.  During their apprenticeship, UA VIP graduates will earn good union pay and quality health insurance, including a pension and a 401K. As apprentices expand their knowledge in the trade, they will receive regular raises. ![Lanham picture](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lanham%20picture.jpeg?width=200&height=267&name=Lanham%20picture.jpeg) After successfully completing their apprenticeship, UA VIP graduates will achieve the status of journeymen, 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 bases](https://www.uavip.org/participating-bases) across the country.  Active-duty service members who are considering transitioning out of the military and want to begin a civilian career that will allow them to provide for themselves and their families are encouraged to visit the [UA VIP website](https://www.uavip.org/) to learn more about the program. [Camp Lejeune](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/camp-lejeune)  |   [Accelerated Welding Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/accelerated-welding-training)  |   [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 VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-program)  |   [Timothy "Robbie" Lanham](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/timothy-robbie-lanham) ##### 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)