Jerry L. Golden III graduated from the UA VIP program in 2017 and is now a journeyman with Steamfitters Local Union 420, in Philadelphia.
Golden was a member of Camp Pendleton Welding Class 24 where he learned the fundamentals of welding before he transitioned out of the military.
“The VIP program has prepared me for life after the Marine Corps by setting me up with the right skills, training and an incredible career to start with Steamfitters Local 420 upon discharge of my time in the Corps,” he said. 
During his time in the program, Golden received an OSHA 30 certification, welding certifications and countless hours of training geared toward pipefitting.
The program prepared him for a career with the UA and he immediately began working as soon as he moved back to Philadelphia, he said, adding that the stress of choosing a career or not knowing how you were going to provide for your family was no longer an issue after completing the UA VIP training.
“The transition from the Marine Corps to civilian life was much smoother than I anticipated,” Golden said. “That couldn’t have been possible without the VIP program.”
The UA VIP program stood out from other programs because of the union Brotherhood that came along with it, he said.
“The Marine Corps, Steamfitters Local Union 420 and all union trades are big on this mindset and this was the major reason I felt it was my calling,” he said. “Being a part of something bigger than yourself, looking out for the Brother or Sister to your left and right and a sense of purpose and belonging.”
Since graduating from the UA VIP program, Golden has worked on energy savings renovation projects for schools in the Philadelphia area, installed a state-of-the-art chiller at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and cooling tower replacement projects.
Golden said joining the UA VIP program was one of the best decisions he’s ever made, besides marrying the woman of his dreams, having kids and joining the Marine Corps, and he recommends the UA VIP program to anyone looking to transition from the military into civilian life.
“The UA VIP program sets you up with a plan to start your career immediately in any part of the country through the United Association,” he said. “They offer an amazing career in the trades, excellent benefits, great pay, strong brother/sisterhood and a successful life after the military.”
Any active-duty service member interested in a career in the pipe trades is encouraged to go to the website and apply.
Futures Leaders Program
The UA/MCAA Future Leaders Program is a three-day program created to provide leadership education to the future field leaders of the mechanical industry. Golden was one of 30 to get selected
for the program.
On March 22, Local 420 participated in the 1210 WPHT Radiothon for the Travis Manion Foundation. Four of the eight veterans from the Local who came to help were UA VIP graduates.
Golden was interviewed about his involvement with the VIP Program. He used the platform to inform the audience about how the UA VIP program helps transitioning military members.
Listen to the full interview here: Jerry L. Golden III interview
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