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.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program, created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from a life in the military to a rewarding civilian lifestyle.
The students of Naval Station Norfolk HVAC-R Class 22 are learning the basics of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration through classroom instruction and hands-on training to help prepare them for life after the military.
The students will be taught by experienced UA journeymen how to install and maintain heating, cooling and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial and industrial areas. Class 22 is taught by two instructors, James Kinney and Nastassia Leggett.
During their time in the program, Class 22 students will have the opportunity to earn certifications in HVAC refrigeration, UA 51 brazing, EPA 608, OSHA and more.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVAC-R and fire suppression and can be completed at any of the following seven military installations:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Welding and HVAC-R)
- Camp Pendleton (Welding)
- Fort Carson (Welding)
- Fort Cavazos (Welding)
- Camp Lejeune (Welding)
- Fort Campbell (Welding and Fire Suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVAC-R)
More information about UA VIP
For 118 days, UA VIP students will be trained through a combination of classroom and lab instruction. They can choose welding, HVAC-R or fire suppression.
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, VIP students will immediately be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program with a guaranteed job.
Graduates who complete the apprenticeship program will become journeymen. Journeymen can eventually become foremen, superintendents, instructors, UA signatory contractors and more.
As apprentices train, they will earn a livable wage while they continue to learn the fundamentals of the trade with regular wage increases and comprehensive healthcare.
Active-duty service members looking for a career change when they are out of the military are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.
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