UA VIP instructor talks about the program on national pro-union podcast

Rachel Lablance, the first female instructor in the United Associations Veterans In Piping (UA VIP) program, recently appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her experience in the program. 

Growing up, Lablance knew she wanted a career that wouldn’t force her to live paycheck to paycheck. She joined the U.S. Marine Corps once she graduated from high school. 

Lablance liked working with her hands and was always interested in mechanics. She became an aircraft mechanic in the military, which first exposed her to welding. 

When Lablance decided she was ready to transition out of the military, she came across a flyer for the UA VIP program and saw it offered free welding training and guaranteed job placement. She knew it would be perfect for her.

“By the time I left the military, I had two kids and I knew it was time for me to stay in one place and be a mom,” Lablance said. 

The UA VIP program was created to help active-duty military members smoothly transition back into civilian life by offering free training and guaranteed job placement. While in the program, students will learn basic skills in welding, HVAC-R or fire suppression. 

During her March 25 appearance on the national pro-union podcast, Lablance told AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc that because she already had experience welding, she was able to earn eight welding certifications during the 17 weeks of UA VIP training. 

After she graduated from the UA VIP program, she moved to southern Illinois where she completed her UA apprenticeship with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 101, and worked for eight years. 

“They kept me working which helped me learn the trade,” Lablance said. “The eight years of welding experience from the Marines helped me too.”

From VIP student to VIP instructor 

Mike Hazard, VIP Program Manager, reached out to Lablance with an opportunity that would change her life. Hazard asked Lablance if she would become an instructor at Camp Lejeune, the same base where she completed the UA VIP program. 

Lablance packed her things and moved back to North Carolina, where she became the first female UA VIP instructor in the history of the program. 

“The transition of becoming the first female instructor wasn’t difficult,” Lablance said. “In the military, you have Brotherhood and Sisterhood and in the UA you have the same thing.”

Lablance added that as long as you focus on the job, you know what needs to get done and you have the ability and knowledge to do the job, being a female doesn’t really change anything.

In the classroom, some of the students didn’t take her seriously at first, but as soon as she struck a rod up or showed them TIG welding they quickly realized she knew what she was doing. 

“Sometimes I had to prove myself a little, but that’s perfectly fine,” Lablance said. 

Lablance has been an instructor for about a year and has yet to have a female VIP student in her class. 

“I really hope we will get another female soon, I’m really looking forward to that,” she said. 

A couple of weeks ago, Camp Lejeune Welding Class 25 graduated, and a new class will begin on April 8. 

Lablance told Ferenc how the first week of class includes teaching OSHA safety and welding basics. Then, they’ll go over safety with hand tools and work their way to using the torch. Eventually, students make their way to the shop where the hands-on training begins.

Going into her second year as an instructor, Lablance looks back on her time in the UA VIP program and appreciates the opportunities it has provided her.  

“To anyone out there listening, if you have the ability to apply for the VIP program as an active-duty member, please look into the program, do your research, get on the VIP website and check it out. The program changed my life and I am so happy with the decision I ended up making,” Lablance said.  

Listen to the full interview here.