Many military members looking ahead to transitioning out of the military and into civilian life don’t quite know what to expect. They envision the challenges with hesitation and may even feel afraid of the idea of searching for a new job in a new field.
For U.S. Army Infantryman William Reilly, the thought of moving into the civilian world after six years in the military means a fresh start. And that is thanks in large part to the skills he’s obtained as part of the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.
Reilly is set to graduate with Fort Carson’s UA VIP Welding Class 11 in January of 2018. Upon completing the 18-week accelerated program meant to prepare him and other transitioning military members to become an United Association apprentice, providing him health insurance, retirement benefits and a livable wage at the outset.
The United Association Veterans in Piping program is “a fresh start in a new trade,” Reilly says. “It offers new challenges and goals to strive for and overcome.”
U.S. Army member Daniel Welch also credits the UA Veterans in Piping program for his excitement about re-entering civilian life after eight years. Welch is part of the Fort Carson Welding Class 11 slated to graduate in January.
“This opportunity means a lot because it helps me get established in the civilian world with a skill I have been interested in for years,” he says.
After completion of the apprenticeship program, both Reilly and Welch will have earned nationally recognized certification demonstrating their skill as welders, as well as guaranteed job and apprenticeship training placement in a rewarding, high-demand career.
If you’re an active-duty military member about to transition out of the service, learn more about the UA VIP program at Fort Carson or another participating base by clicking here.
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