Fort Carson Welding Class 28 students are halfway through their 118 days of accelerated welding training provided by the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.
Through both classroom and hands-on training, students are learning basic welding skills to prepare them for a civilian career in the pipe trades, after they transition out of the military.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to smoothly transition active-duty service members into civilian careers by providing on-base training during their last six months of military commitment.
UA VIP students are guaranteed job placement at an agreed-upon UA Local after they graduate from the program and transition out of the military.
Army Staff Sgt. Aiden Markham will stay close to home. He will join Pipefitters Local 208 in Denver. Markham is available to begin working this upcoming September.
Some students, like Army Sgt. Josue Martinez will travel farther.
Originally from Pueblo, Colo., Martinez will join Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 100 in Dallas. Martinez will be available to begin working in August.
The other students in Welding Class 28 will travel to various parts of Texas, Colorado and Arizona to start their DOL-registered apprenticeship programs.
Class 28 students will graduate on Aug. 15 and after they transition out of the military, they will be available to begin working between August and December.
Through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, these future apprentices will receive good hourly wages and high-quality healthcare benefits as they advance in their careers.
Active-duty service members in their final six months of service are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program as part of their transition process.
Learn more about the UA VIP program
The UA VIP program was created in 2008 to address manpower shortages in the union construction industry and reduce unemployment among veterans.
The UA VIP program knows that service members have the skill set and discipline necessary for success in the union piping industry. UA VIP believes those who have sacrificed for our country deserve support as they transition to civilian careers.
After graduating and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP students are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program and a guaranteed job with a UA signatory contractor.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVAC-R and fire suppression at the following military bases:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVAC-R)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVAC-R)
Active-duty members do not need to be stationed at these bases in order to apply for the UA VIP program.
For more information about the UA VIP program, visit the website today.
Comments