For the nine members beginning the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding Class 24, the United Association’s Veterans in Piping Program is the beginning of a rewarding career opportunity after they transition out of the military.
The students will learn basic welding skills and earn industry-recognized certifications over the 18-week accelerated welding class. They will train with an experienced UA instructor through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. The training takes place on base during their last few months of military service.
Class graduates will gain direct entry into solid private-sector jobs with good pay and benefits after they transition out of the military and begin civilian life.
A direct path to a union welding career
Upon graduating from the UA VIP program, they will transition out of the military and enter a UA Local Union where they will begin apprenticeship training. They will earn livable wages and be eligible for quality healthcare for their families while starting to build a pension and retirement plan.
As they progress through their apprenticeship training and improve their skill sets, they will earn gradual pay raises. Once they complete their apprenticeship, they become journeymen with numerous possibilities for career progression.
The VIP program is designed to equip transitioning active-duty service members of the military with a viable skill in the trades to ease the transition to civilian life. Graduates begin good paying careers in the construction industry with high job demand and great benefits.
Learn more about the UA VIP program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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