NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP

Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program.

UA VIP Program at JBLM graduates Welding Class 13 and HVACR Class 12

UA Veterans in Piping Program JBLM Class 13 and 12

The United Association Veterans in Piping Program (UAVIP) is proud to announce that it graduated a combined 18 transitioning military service members from Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding and HVACR Programs.

On Nov. 16, these students graduated from the 18-week accelerated program during a ceremony held at the Seattle Area Pipe Trades Training Center in Renton, WA.

Once discharged from active military service, the soon-to-be veterans will have jobs waiting for them with a UA contractor in an agreed-upon geographical area. In addition to jobs, UA VIP graduates also enter a UA apprenticeship program during which they undergo additional training in the pipe trades to become journeymen and journeywomen.

Welding Class 13 graduated one member of the Navy Reserve, one from the Airforce and seven from the Army. HVACR Class 12 graduated seven members of the Army, one from the Navy and one from the Airforce.

JBLM Class 12 HVACR

UA VIP Administrator Mike Hazard said the students should be proud of their hard work, which has positioned them to succeed when they start their new jobs.

“The VIP graduates of Welding Class 13 and HVAC-R 12 have proved through their hard work and dedication over the past 18 weeks that they are ready to make an immediate impact with their newly developed skills in their new careers as UA apprentices, and we wish them the best of luck,” said Hazard.

HVAC-R Instructor Dave Gibson commended the students on their hard work and dedication during the program.

"HVAC-R class 12 is an outstanding class, they learned quickly and completed all certifications,” Gibson said. “They will be placed across the United States: Washington, California, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia.They will be a great asset to their locals and to the United Association as they move forward into their new careers."

JBLM HVACR Class 12.jpg

Lead Welding Instructor Kris McAferty also praised the students for their achievements.

"Attitude is everything, and this class has had a great attitude and I think they will take that to their new home locals and do great things,” McAferty said. “As we near the end of this class, it's exciting to see how far they have come and I can't wait to see them starting a new life with the skills they have learned."

Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Class 12

Local 32 Training Coordinator PJ Moss emceed the ceremony, Local 32 Business Manager Jeff Owen provided welcoming remarks, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Career Skills Program Installation Administrator, Gary E. Olson provided congratulatory remarks and Debra Entenman from Congressman Adam Smith’s office also spoke. VIP Graduates Specialist Johnathan Guerra from Welding Class 13 and Petty Officer 1st Class Lance Carlson from HVACR Class 12 also provided testimonies during the ceremony.

Guerra expressed his excitement at moving forward with a rewarding career in the pipe trades.

"I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the United Association Veterans in Piping Program,” he said. “The program has not only given me the skills but also the tools needed to carry forward and achieve a successful and bright future after the military. Separating from the military is never an easy thing, and at times it’s quite scary, but with the help and support from everyone involved in the program, it has helped to make it a painless and smooth transition into the civilian world and the United Association family."

The UA VIP Program currently operates nine programs at military installations and UA training centers across the country. Active-duty members of the Armed Forces who are preparing to transition out of the service are eligible to participate in the free, on-base 18-week, career-training program.

Transitioning military members interested in becoming a member of the JBLM UA VIP Program can click here to submit their contact information.

JBLM Class  (2)
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