UA VIP Graduate Genaro Soto Earns Spot in District Competition

When Sergeant Genaro Soto was preparing to conclude his military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he had never heard of the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program. A conversation with his career planner changed everything.

Soto enrolled in the UA VIP program at Naval Station Norfolk and graduated as a member of HVACR Class 22. Today, he is a third-year HVACR apprentice with UA Local 421 in North Carolina and one of four UA VIP graduates who will compete at the District Level of the United Association International Training Fund (UAITF) Apprentice Competition.

A Proven Pathway: UA VIP

The UA VIP program is a DoW SkillBridge program designed to help transitioning active-duty service members in their last six months of service prepare for a new civilian career through industry-leading training and guaranteed job placement.

During the 118-day, 720-hour curriculum, UA VIP students learn basic pipe trade skills in one of three crafts: HVACR, welding or fire suppression.

Once VIP participants graduate and transition out of the military, they enter the UA’s five-year Registered Apprenticeship Program, where they will continue to build on their newly acquired skill set without taking on student debt.

VIP graduates are also guaranteed jobs with a UA signatory contractor in an agreed-upon geographic location. They will receive direct entry into a UA Local Union and all the benefits of being a UA member, including good wages, excellent full-family medical insurance and great retirement benefits.

From VIP Graduate to Third-Year Apprentice

Soto served in the Marine Corps from 2020 to 2024, and when it came time to transition out of the military, the VIP program offered him a clear path forward.

“I became interested in the VIP program after my career planner introduced it to me during my transition out of the military,” he said. “Prior to that, I had never heard of the program, which made me realize that many service members may not be fully aware of the opportunities it provides. Once I learned more about it, I saw it as a great opportunity to build a stable and meaningful career in the trades.”

He chose the HVACR trade specifically because of its breadth.

“I chose HVACR because it combines multiple skill sets into one career field,” said Soto. “It allows me to work in refrigeration, electrical, controls and pipefitting, which keeps the work challenging and rewarding. I also knew these skills would stay with me for life and provide opportunities both professionally and personally. HVACR is often called the ‘jack of all trades,’ and that versatility is what drew me to it.”

The certifications and knowledge Soto earned through the VIP program also gave him a running start in his apprenticeship with Local 421.

Military Discipline Meets the Pipe Trades

Soto was quick to point out how his time in the Marines shaped the kind of tradesman he is today.

“The Marine Corps taught me discipline, leadership and the importance of building strong relationships — all of which have carried over directly into the trades,” he said. “Leadership is important because there are times when you need to step up and take initiative, especially when others are unavailable. Building relationships is equally important because trust and teamwork are essential in this industry."

He added that continuous self-improvement is something he carries with him every day on the job.

“Success in this trade requires continuous learning and self-motivation,” Soto said. “Technology and industry standards are constantly evolving, so I take pride in studying and improving my skills both on and off the job."

Competing at the District Level — and Eyeing the International Contest

Soto is one of four UA VIP graduates who will represent their Local Unions at the District Competition. The winners of each district contest will advance to the UATIF’s International Apprentice Contest, which is one of the most prestigious skills competitions in the building trades.

The International contest brings together the top apprentices from the United States and Canada to compete in one of five crafts: plumbing, pipefitting, sprinkler fitting, welding and HVACR. Competitors are evaluated through written tests, hands-on projects and and an oral interview.

The contest is held annually on the campus of Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor, Mich., running in conjunction with the UAITF’s week-long Instructor Training Program (ITP). Winners are announced at the ITP graduation ceremony.

For Soto, the opportunity to compete carries real weight.

“Being selected to compete in the District Competition means a great deal to me both personally and professionally,” he said. “It represents the hard work, commitment and long hours I’ve invested into developing my skills in the trade. It also reminds me how far I’ve come in a relatively short amount of time. Having the opportunity to compete alongside other dedicated and skilled technicians motivates me to continue improving and pushing myself to grow.”

His Message to Fellow Service Members

For service members unsure about their future civilian career after leaving the military, Soto encouraged them to learn more about the UA VIP program and the opportunities it offers.

“I was initially unsure whether I wanted to attend, but choosing to do so turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made, he said. “The program opened doors for me, provided valuable certifications and experience and helped set me on a path toward a stable and rewarding career.

“Everyone I’ve met who has gone through the program has had positive experiences. I would recommend it to anyone looking for long-term career growth, job security and a strong future in the skilled trades," Soto added.

A UA VIP Success Story Still Being Written

Soto’s journey from Marine Sergeant to a third-year HVACR apprentice who will soon compete at a district-level apprentice contest proves the UA VIP program produces some of the nation’s top pipe trades apprentices.

The UA family is proud of Brother Soto and all other UA VIP graduates who put in the work every day to build this nation. Learn more about the UA VIP program at Naval Station Norfolk.