--- title: UA VIP program provides Marine a smooth transition to civilian career description: The UA VIP program provided U.S. Marine Sgt. Rachel Lablance with a smooth transition to civilian life through a guaranteed job after the military. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Rachel%20Leblance%20-%20UA%20VIP%20Welding%20Class%205%2c%20Camp%20Lejeune%20(1).jpg --- [![United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/uavip-logo.svg "United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo")](https://www.uavip.org/) UNITED ASSOCIATION VETERANS IN PIPING PROGRAM [![Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png?width=798&height=798&name=ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png "Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo")](https://www.ua.org/) Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians [Ë](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/ua-vip-program-provides-marine-a-smooth-transition-to-civilian-career#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP program provides Marine a smooth transition to civilian career - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Sep 8, 2022 3:26:24 PM ![UA VIP program provides Marine a smooth transition to civilian career](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Rachel%20Leblance%20-%20UA%20VIP%20Welding%20Class%205%2c%20Camp%20Lejeune%20(1).jpg) For U.S. Marine Sgt. Rachel Lablance, the United Association Veterans in Piping program set her up with a turnkey civilian career that made transitioning out of the military an easy process. ![Rachel Leblance - UA VIP Welding Class 5, Camp Lejeune (2)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Rachel%20Leblance%20-%20UA%20VIP%20Welding%20Class%205%2c%20Camp%20Lejeune%20(2).jpg?width=436&name=Rachel%20Leblance%20-%20UA%20VIP%20Welding%20Class%205%2c%20Camp%20Lejeune%20(2).jpg) “The UA VIP program set me up with the skills and training I needed from day one from my transition out of the Marine Corps,” Lablance said. “The program prepared me for a career with the UA and made the transition out of the military very smooth.”  Lablance began Camp Lejeune’s Accelerated Welding Class 5 in 2016. She trained for 18-weeks alongside an experienced journeyman instructor through a combination of classroom instruction and hands on experience, learning basic welding skills as well as industry recognized certifications that propelled her progress in her civilian career. ![Rachel LaBlance](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Rachel%20LaBlance.jpg?width=291&name=Rachel%20LaBlance.jpg) “I had everything completed that was required of me, plus eight welding certifications prior to showing up to my Local,” Lablance explained. The UA VIP program is a Career Skills Program (CSP) that prepares transitioning active-duty service members for a career in the pipe trades. It provides a guaranteed job after the military through a UA registered apprenticeship. “The UA VIP prepares you while you are still on active duty,” Lablance said. “It basically made it to where I transitioned from one mission to another with no down time at all.” The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR and fire sprinkler fitting [at select military bases across the country](https://www.uavip.org/participating-bases).   ## A guaranteed job straight out of the military ![Rachel Leblance - UA VIP Welding Class 5, Camp Lejeune (1)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Rachel%20Leblance%20-%20UA%20VIP%20Welding%20Class%205%2c%20Camp%20Lejeune%20(1).jpg?width=196&name=Rachel%20Leblance%20-%20UA%20VIP%20Welding%20Class%205%2c%20Camp%20Lejeune%20(1).jpg)After she completed her UA VIP training and transitioned out of the military, Lablance began a UA registered apprenticeship through Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 101 in Mascoutah, Ill., where she immediately began working. She earned good union pay and quickly became eligible for quality healthcare for her family. She began earning a pension and a 401K for her retirement. As she progressed through her training and expanded her skillset, she received annual raises. Lablance turned out as a journeyman in 2020. Today, she works for Hayes Mechanical, performing main steam piping, demolition, fiberglass pipe work and maintenance crew work. Last Labor Day, Lablance [got to represent the UA VIP program, the UA and the building trades at an event at the White House](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/ua-vip-alumni-meet-president-biden-during-labor-day-event). She got to meet President Biden and shake his hand, an experience she described as “surreal.”  ![UA VIP Alumni Meet President Biden During Labor Day Event (5)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UA%20VIP%20Alumni%20Meet%20President%20Biden%20During%20Labor%20Day%20Event%20(5).jpg?width=480&name=UA%20VIP%20Alumni%20Meet%20President%20Biden%20During%20Labor%20Day%20Event%20(5).jpg) “To be able to walk into the White House and hear the AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and President Biden's speeches was super motivating,” Lablance said. She highly recommends the UA VIP program to any transitioning active-duty service member looking for a new career after the military. “The UA VIP program sets you up for so many opportunities,” Lablance said. “It is by far one of the best decisions I have made, and continues to allow me to be successful.” [Learn more about the variety of training opportunities available through the UA VIP program](https://www.uavip.org/trades-that-ua-vip-offers).  ![UA VIP Alumni Meet President Biden During Labor Day Event (1)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UA%20VIP%20Alumni%20Meet%20President%20Biden%20During%20Labor%20Day%20Event%20(1)-1.jpg?width=491&name=UA%20VIP%20Alumni%20Meet%20President%20Biden%20During%20Labor%20Day%20Event%20(1)-1.jpg)   [Camp Lejeune](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/camp-lejeune)  |   [Accelerated Welding Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/accelerated-welding-training)  |   [Success Stories](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/success-stories)  |   [UA Veterans in Piping](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-veterans-in-piping)  |   [UA VIP Graduate](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-graduate)  |   [UA VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-program)  |   [United Association VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/united-association-vip-program) ##### Comments ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") Pipefitters Local 455, St. Paul, MN, Apprentice David Adams (VIP graduate, Wisconsin Welding Class 2) is pictured on the job working for Pioneer Piping, Incorporated (PPI) at the Flint Hills Refinery in MN. ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2.jpg "Camp Pendleton") ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg "Camp Pendleton") Camp Pendleton VIP Graduate turned out as Journeyman and makes a life in Butte, MT, with Local 41. ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02.jpg "Orry graduated") ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg "Orry graduated") Orry graduated on April 9, 2015 and affiliated with UA Local 455, St. Paul, MN. ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01.jpg "Jerry Heneha") ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg "Jerry Heneha") Sgt. Jerry Heneha, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery, puts together a valve system in preparation for his final week of the United Association's Veterans in Piping program at the Industrial Training Complex Photo Credit: Ms. Marie Berberea (TRADOC) ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg?width=217&height=169&name=Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") Fort Sill's inaugural Sprinkler Fitter class began on 2 March 2015. ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and 1SG William Davidson presented their instructors Louis Purcella and Micah Tyler with a momentum from the class. ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") SGT Howard Nash is headed to Harrisburg, PA, to affiliate with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 520. ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038.jpg "Gail Pilecki") ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg "Gail Pilecki") Gail Pilecki was so proud of her son, SGT Jeremy Pilecki, on graduation day. SGT Pilecki will make his home in Houston, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017.jpg "William Davidson") ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg "William Davidson") 1SG William Davidson gave the graduate testimonial. He will remain with his family in Waco, TX, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_sm.jpg "Michael Olsen") ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg "Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and his wife, Amanda, will remain in the area, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_sm.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") Alysa and SPC Chad Eberle will be heading to San Antonio, TX, with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142. ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_sm.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") SGT Lawrence Beller, his wife, Brittney, and daughter, Nahla, will be making Houston, TX, their home, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. Mouse over thumbnails to view larger videos and photos or view entire [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery). ## News & Happenings ##### [More News & Happenings](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings) ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) --- ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www-uavip-org.sandbox.hs-sites.com/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) --- ## News & Happenings [News](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings)