A recent article in ‘The Sunday Constitution,’ written by Mike Meador, highlighted the United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA) Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program as one of the curriculums available at Fort Sill to prepare military members for the transition to civilian life.
SPC. Brian Phan, who served 4.5 years in the Army as a generator mechanic with 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery said he learned about the program while going through the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP). He says he’s learning a lot, especially since the program is notwhat he initially anticipated.
“I was pretty interested because I’m used to working with tools, my hands. I want to do a hands-on job,” Phan explains. “It’s not what I thought when I first started the class.”
The article goes on to outline the UA VIP Program, explaining that the introductory course teaches students about welding, working with copper and underground systems. The 18-week course prepares service members for the apprenticeship they’ll be placed in following completion of the course.
UA Local 669 pays for all the VIP Program training at Fort Sill and is then reimbursed by the International Training Fund according to Robert Carr, a sprinkler fitter instructor.
Day one of the UA VIP Program begins with paperwork, then student-teacher expectations and safety. The first-week details tools, what each tool is used for and practice on the tools. Week two is all about safety, and from then out the training becomes more challenging with each passing day.
As a former U.S. Marine himself, Carr says one thing that attracts military members to the profession is that there is always more to learn, even after reaching journeyman status. The apprenticeship may only last a few years, but UA journeymen never stop learning.
The Army does not have to pay for any of the training that goes on at Fort Sill, meaning no costs are transferred to the men and women who take advantage of the training.
Comments