United Association (UA) Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program Administrator and ITF Training Specialist Mike Hazard appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, a national, labor-focused podcast, to discuss how the UA VIP program provides transitioning military service members with a direct path to a union career in the trades.
Hazard appeared as part of the podcast’s celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
Hazard explained that when he transitioned out of the military in 1999 there were few training programs available for civilian careers. Thankfully, that has changed. DoD SkillBridge programs like UA VIP provide members of the military with basic skills to begin new careers, as well as a direct path to union apprenticeships with guaranteed job placement after they complete the program and transition out of the military. Active duty service members from all branches of military that are preparing to transition out of the military are eligible to apply for the UA VIP program.
The UA VIP Program and similar programs were mandated by the U.S. Congress through the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire a Hero Act of 2011.
A pathway to a union career after the military
The United Association Veterans in Piping Program has a great track record in providing members of the military with viable paths to lucrative careers, easing the transition to civilian life, Hazard said.
There are currently nine different programs at seven military bases across the country. Classes are available in welding, sprinkler pipe fitting and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration repair.
Provided free of charge, the 18-week accelerated classes train participants side-by-side with an experienced journeyman instructor through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. They earn industry-recognized certifications that better accelerate their transition into careers with the UA.
Upon completing the program and transitioning out of the military, veterans then begin training apprenticeships at a UA union at an agreed upon location. They earn union wages with continual pay raises as they progress through the program. They and their families are eligible for quality healthcare, and they start building a pension and a 401K for their retirement.
“The VIP program is all about giving people the job skills they need to leverage the great job positions that are out there,” Hazard said. “We are changing people’s lives through the opportunity of apprenticeship and guaranteed job placement.”
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