After spending eight years in the Navy as an engine mechanic, Richard Stump, decided it was time to transition out of the Navy and back to a civilian life.
“I had no idea what the civilian world had in store for me,” Stump admitted.
When he first made this decision, Stump was unaware of the United Association Veterans in Piping Program. Then, a shipmate was accepted into the program and he began to speak very highly about the opportunities it provided.
“Needless to say, I liked what I found and decided to pursue the program myself,” said Stump. “If you are looking for a career in this field and enjoy troubleshooting and working with your hands, I would highly recommend looking into the UA VIP program, as it has been a total blessing to me and my family in our time of transition.”
After applying for the UA VIP Program, Stump successfully interviewed and was accepted into the 5th UA VIP Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Class at Naval Station Norfolk.
This 18-week SkillBridge program provides classroom instruction as well as hands-on learning to prepare students for apprenticeship. Following graduation, students are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor and join a five-year registered UA apprenticeship program.
“The opportunity to obtain your universal refrigerant certification, OSHA 30 card, brazing certification and First Aid/CPR is also provided, which gives you a better profile for hire ability,” said Stump.
Stump entered the civilian workforce with a guaranteed job that provided him livable wages, good health insurance and quality retirement benefits such as a 401k plan and a pension.
As an HVAC-R apprentice, he continues to receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training to learn new skills, and receives pay raises as his skillset improves.
“Training is continually offered through the local union even after you are out in the field, which is very valuable to us techs entering the field,” said Stump.
The training will not end once he finishes his apprenticeship and becomes a journeyman, as the UA offers journeymen upgrade classes to help members stay current on the latest industry technology, while helping them improve or maintain their skillset.
“Keeping current and up-to-date on knowledge and procedures in this field is key, and so the training doesn’t stop after the program ends,” he said. “The only thing left to do is to get out in the field and get more in-depth, hands-on training.”
Residing in Louisville, Ky., with his wife and three kids, Stump is a proud member of UA Local 502.
If you are an active-duty military service member who is thinking about transitioning out of the armed forces, we encourage you to click here and submit your information in order to learn more about the United Association Veterans in Piping Program at Naval Station Norfolk.
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