For members of the military, making the transition from active-duty to civilian life can be time of high stress and struggle.
After 13 years serving in the Army, Phil Miraglia decided it was time for him to transition back into civilian life, but he did not know how.
“Once I decide to end my career in the Army, I struggled with the idea of not having a degree or a trade,” said Miraglia.
Little did he know, the solution to his struggles would be answered when he attend classes through the Soldier for Life — Transition Assistance Program, a program provided to military service members who are getting ready to exit the military. While in class, he heard about the United Association Veterans in Piping Program and did a little bit of research.
“Once my wife and I realized that we would be part of a UA local, receive health benefits, and quality pay, we were both sold,” said Miraglia.
He soon applied and was accepted into UA VIP Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVAC-R Class 12.
UA VIP is a free 18-week accelerated career-training course designed to provide participants a direct pathway to a career in the piping industry.
During UA VIP JBLM HVAC-R Class 12, Miraglia learned basic HVAC-R knowledge and OSHA safety training through in classroom instruction and hands-on learning.
Once students graduate from the UA VIP Program, they are placed in a job with a UA signatory contractor in an agreed upon geographical area and also enter the UA’s five-year registered apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, men and women earn a livable wage and receive quality benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits, such as a 401k plan and a pension.
Miraglia graduated from UA VIP JBLM HVAC-R Class 12 in November 2017 and is currently a first-year apprentice at UA Local 421, living in Burlington, N.C. He is grateful to have discovered UA VIP.
“I am ten months out of the Army and working, providing for my family and enjoying every second of my new life after the Army,” Miraglia said. “The best part about this program and being a part of the UA is that I still have the brotherhood I did when I was in the Army.”
Miraglia is also an example of how the UA VIP Program can send participants nearly any place in the country. Instead of remaining in Washington, he and his family wanted to be in North Carolina – and the UA VIP Program secured employment for him with a UA signatory contractor within Local 421’s jurisdiction.
Click here to submit your information and learn more about becoming a member of the next UA VIP class at JBLM
Comments