Those who enjoy the camaraderie and support found in the armed the services, will find the same traits in the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the United Association’s Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.
According to Lance Carlson, a member of the UA Veterans in Piping HVAC-R Class 12 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the program has served as a great place to find camaraderie and mutual support during what might otherwise be a very stressful time.
The 18-week accelerated career-training program for active-duty military personnel who will soon be transitioning to civilian life brings service members together who are experiencing the same stresses in transitioning together and properly gets them ready for a new beginning.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said Carlson, who joined the United Association’s VIP program to learn new job skills relevant in today’s workforce that provides career growth and longevity.
“I wanted to find my next career, and this program had everything I was looking for in a career and has job placement,” he said.
While the UA VIP program is only currently operating at eight different locations throughout the country, Carlson wishes the program could be experienced by all transitioning service members.
Carlson, who learned about the program through the United States Naval Administration, applied for the no-cost, on-base course training and went through the interview process. Like his fellow trainees, he is glad to have been selected for the program and is eager to start an apprenticeship with a UA local, where he will earn livable wages and immediately receive great health benefits, plus retirement benefits as well.
Upon joining the United Association, Carlson will become part of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood, which has similar camaraderie and support found among members of the military.
He said he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities his new career will bring.
“After successful completion of the course, it is up to me to bring my service background and abilities to my new career in striving for the best and continuing to learn as much as possible and doing good work,” he said. “This, in return, creates good returns for everyone.”
Military members stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord can learn more about the UA VIP program by submitting their contact information by clicking here.
The United Association’s Veterans in Piping programs at the currently operating eight bases, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Fort Campbell, Fort Sill, Fort Carson, Fort Hood, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Station Norfolk, are available for any transitioning service member to attend. With approval from the commanding officer, all program locations are open to our military for the training needed to successfully transition into civilian life.
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