The United Association Veterans In Piping (UA VIP) Fort Cavazos Welding Class 24 has reached its halfway point as students continue to receive advanced welding training and work toward a civilian career in the piping industry.
Through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, Welding Class 24 students have been learning the fundamentals of welding taught by journeyman instructors.
As students progress through the program, they will earn industry-recognized certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.
In 2008, the UA VIP program was established to ensure active-duty service members were guaranteed a sustainable career after their commitment to our country and to help fill a worker shortage in the piping industry.
UA VIP is a DOD Skillbridge Program designed to actively train service members in their preferred trade as a means to prepare them for a sustainable civilian career after their military commitment.
By combining a good-paying career with benefits and professional and personal development, the unique characteristics of the UA VIP program pave the way for graduates to earn a middle-class lifestyle once they return to civilian life.
For Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Stephen Biddulph, his civilian career in the pipe trades is right around the corner. He is ready to move back home and start a new life with Pipefitters Local 120 in Cleveland.
Upon completing the UA VIP Program and transitioning out of the military, Biddulph will join his union Brothers and Sisters, as he enters a five-year apprenticeship program that teaches him how to be a successful journeyman in his preferred trade.
At this point in their training, UA VIP students work with program administrators to select the location where they work and start their apprenticeships - almost anywhere in the U.S. While some decide to stay close to the military base, other students desire to relocate to different destinations.
Cpl. Michael Hampton, for instance, will move to Stockton, Calif. and join Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 442.
There is a lot of work left for the students before they are ready for the next phase of their lives.
With Class 24 reaching its midpoint, students will continue working to earn industry-recognized certifications and develop different welding skills.
Apply to the UA VIP program today
In the last six months of service, active-duty service members are welcome to apply to the UA VIP program and begin training toward their future civilian careers.
Active-duty service members can apply to join the UA VIP program at any of the following bases:
- Camp Pendleton - California
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Washington
- Fort Carson - Colorado
- Fort Cavazos - Texas
- Camp Lejeune - North Carolina
- Fort Campbell - Kentucky
- Naval Station Norfolk - Virginia
Upon graduation from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students will become apprentices and eventually journeymen-level professionals.
Once at a journeyman level, the career possibilities are endless. Journeymen in the piping industry can become foreman, superintendents, UA signatory contractors, business owners or even a UA-officer or organizer.
If you are currently an active-duty service member looking toward your future civilian career, the pipe trades industry might be the right path for you, learn more about the UA VIP program.
Comments