Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Dunn is enjoying the start of a successful civilian career in the HVAC-R field thanks to the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program.
A member of Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVAC-R Class 26, Dunn graduated in early 2023 after earning industry certifications during his time in the UA VIP program. He then took his newfound skillset to Buffalo as a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 22.
Now, he is learning the skills needed to have a long and successful career in the HVAC-R industry through Local 22’s registered Apprenticeship Program.
“The VIP program is fantastic,” Dunn said.
While the UA VIP Program is not for everyone, Dunn applied because he likes to work with his hands and realized the opportunities the program affords participants.
“I wanted something that I would enjoy after transitioning out of the military,” said Dunn. “I like hands-on work, and this program offers job placement which always takes the stress off of transitioning military members.
“The guaranteed job placement is one reason the program stood out, especially since I have a family to take care of,” he added.
Over the course of 18 weeks, Dunn and others in Class 26 trained alongside an experienced HVACR journeyman instructor David Gibson through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on work. He learned the basics of the HVAC-R industry and earned industry-recognized certifications that propelled his advancement into his new career.
The UA VIP Program Basics
The UA VIP program is an 18-week DOD SkillBridge Program for transitioning active-duty service members. It guarantees a good-paying civilian job with a United Association signatory contractor.
During their last six months of military service, members are invited to apply for one of the UA VIP Programs. UA VIP offers training in Welding, HVAC-R and Fire Suppression at the following bases nationwide:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (HVAC-R and welding)
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVAC-R)
Success after military service
Job placement is guaranteed when a service member completes the UA VIP Program and transitions out of the military. With 269 United Association Local Unions, VIP graduates can start successful pipe trade careers almost anywhere in the U.S.
As an apprentice, Dunn now earns a good, livable wage thanks to his union membership and he quickly became eligible for quality health insurance for his family. He also started contributing to a pension and 401K benefit for his retirement.
In the future, Dunn will receive pay raises as he advances in his apprenticeship training and improves his skillset.
A proud graduate of JBLM HVAC-R Class 26, Dunn encouraged his fellow military service members to consider the UA VIP program.
“I think it’s one of the better programs for military members who like to work with their hands,” he said.
Comments