The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are training for a future civilian career in the pipe trades.
The students of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding Class 31 have begun classroom learning and hands-on training to help prepare for life after they transition out of the military.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from military life to a rewarding civilian lifestyle. 
Army Sgt. Pavel Litovkin has always wanted to be a welder, and after discovering the UA VIP program, he realized it provided a perfect opportunity.
“During my time in the VIP program, I hope to gain as much knowledge about the trade as I can from the instructor to help set me up for success in the future,” he said, adding that he hopes to further perfect his craft when he begins his UA apprenticeship.
“The enrollment process was very easy,” Litovkin said. “Jeremy reaches out to his students to see how the application process is going. That really meant a lot because you can see he actually cares.”
Despite not having any prior construction experience, Army Spc. Jayden Cook was interested in learning new skills.
Cook learned about the UA VIP program from Army TAP and applied because he saw it as an opportunity for a new career upon his separation from the Army.
Once he graduates from the program and transitions out of the military, he said he is eager to learn how to be more efficient during his apprenticeship and on the job.
“I am looking forward to working with and getting to know the other students in the class,” Cook added.
More UA VIP information
For 118 days, students will be trained through classroom and lab instruction. They can choose training programs in welding, HVAC-R or fire suppression.
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students will be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location and guaranteed a job.
Graduates who complete the apprenticeship program will become journeymen. Journeymen can eventually become foremen, superintendents, instructors, UA signatory contractors or various other career opportunities.
As apprentices train, they will earn a livable wage while they continue to learn the fundamentals of the trade with regular wage increases.
Active-duty service members in their last six months of service who are looking for a career change after leaving the military are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.
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