--- title: JBLM UA VIP Welding & HVACR Training | DOD SkillBridge Program description: The United Association Veterans In Piping (VIP) Program is operated at Joint Base Lewis-McChord to offer an 18-week HVACR and Welding training courses. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/feature%20images%202023/United%20Association%20Veterans%20In%20Piping%20(UA%20VIP)%20Program%20-%20Joint%20Base%20Lewis-McChord%20Welding%20and%20HVACR.jpg --- [![uavip-logo.svg](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/uavip-logo.svg "uavip-logo.svg")](https://www.uavip.org/) UNITED ASSOCIATION VETERANS IN PIPING PROGRAM [![ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png?width=798&height=798&name=ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png "ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png")](https://www.uavip.org/) Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians # JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD WELDING & HVACR ## APPLY YOUR MILITARY TRAINING TO A REWARDING CAREER # UA VIP Pipeline to Success ### Discover how UA VIP prepares military members for a successful civilian life Watching this video is a UA VIP pre-interview requirement. # Upcoming Classes:    Welding Class 37 & HVACR Class 36: September 8, 2026 - December 30, 2026   ##### Welding Class 38 & HVACR Class 37: January 19, 2027 - May 13, 2027   ##### Welding Class 39 & HVACR Class 38: June 1, 2027 - September 23, 2027   Welding Class 40 & HVACR Class 39: October 12, 2027 - February 3, 2028 ##### Welding Class 41 & HVACR Class 40: February 22, 2028 - June 15, 2028   ##### Welding Class 42 & HVACR Class 41: July 5, 2028 - October 26, 2028   ##### Welding Class 43 & HVACR Class 42: November 14, 2028 - March 9, 2029   ##### Welding Class 44 & HVACR Class 43: March 27, 2029 - July 20, 2029   ##### Welding Class 45 & HVACR Class 44: July 31, 2029 - November 23, 2029   ##### Welding Class 46 & HVACR Class 45: December 11, 2029 - April 5, 2030 --- #### Through the UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program, you can apply your military training into a rewarding career in the pipe trades. Your military career may be coming to an end, but the countless skills and experiences you have acquired throughout your service can benefit you for the rest of your life. Let us help you put your skills and experiences to the test when you enter into the highly in-demand piping industry, which is full of career opportunities and can provide a stable future for you and your family. #### Benefits of the UA VIP Program: - Free Career Skills Training - Industry-Recognized Certifications - Direct Entry into UA Apprenticeship - Guaranteed Job Placement - Lifelong Career Opportunities  ![welding-icon](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/icons/welding-icon.svg)![hvac-icon](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/icons/hvac-icon.svg)     Welding and HVACR: There are accelerated welding and accelerated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) training programs offered to active-duty transitioning service members. Both programs are 118 days in duration meeting Tuesday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. [![Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3854/32612443844_ea9871c379_z.jpg)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/148716831@N04/albums/72157681446283615) ![UAVIP-JBLM-HVACR_Flyer-v2](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JBLM/UAVIP-JBLM-HVACR_Flyer-v2.jpg?width=150&height=194&name=UAVIP-JBLM-HVACR_Flyer-v2.jpg) **Joint Base Lewis-McChord** UA VIP HVACR Program [![Download Flyer](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/687120/1cd7a17f-85c9-4862-bdfe-09443245cbd0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/687120/1cd7a17f-85c9-4862-bdfe-09443245cbd0) ![UAVIP-JBLM-Welding_Flyer-v2](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JBLM/UAVIP-JBLM-Welding_Flyer-v2.jpg?width=150&height=194&name=UAVIP-JBLM-Welding_Flyer-v2.jpg) **Joint Base Lewis-McChord** UA VIP Welding Program [![Download Flyer](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/687120/981ae705-eb66-411c-82c9-5375640cea81.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/687120/981ae705-eb66-411c-82c9-5375640cea81) ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") Pipefitters Local 455, St. Paul, MN, Apprentice David Adams (VIP graduate, Wisconsin Welding Class 2) is pictured on the job working for Pioneer Piping, Incorporated (PPI) at the Flint Hills Refinery in MN. ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2.jpg "Camp Pendleton") ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg "Camp Pendleton") Camp Pendleton VIP Graduate turned out as Journeyman and makes a life in Butte, MT, with Local 41. ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02.jpg "Orry graduated") ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg "Orry graduated") Orry graduated on April 9, 2015 and affiliated with UA Local 455, St. Paul, MN. ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01.jpg "Jerry Heneha") ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg "Jerry Heneha") Sgt. Jerry Heneha, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery, puts together a valve system in preparation for his final week of the United Association's Veterans in Piping program at the Industrial Training Complex Photo Credit: Ms. Marie Berberea (TRADOC) ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg?width=217&height=169&name=Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") Fort Sill's inaugural Sprinkler Fitter class began on 2 March 2015. ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and 1SG William Davidson presented their instructors Louis Purcella and Micah Tyler with a momentum from the class. ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") SGT Howard Nash is headed to Harrisburg, PA, to affiliate with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 520. ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038.jpg "Gail Pilecki") ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg "Gail Pilecki") Gail Pilecki was so proud of her son, SGT Jeremy Pilecki, on graduation day. SGT Pilecki will make his home in Houston, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017.jpg "William Davidson") ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg "William Davidson") 1SG William Davidson gave the graduate testimonial. He will remain with his family in Waco, TX, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_sm.jpg "Michael Olsen") ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg "Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and his wife, Amanda, will remain in the area, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_sm.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") Alysa and SPC Chad Eberle will be heading to San Antonio, TX, with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142. ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_sm.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") SGT Lawrence Beller, his wife, Brittney, and daughter, Nahla, will be making Houston, TX, their home, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. Mouse over thumbnails to view larger videos and photos or view entire [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery). ## News & Happenings ##### [More News & Happenings](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings) ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) --- ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www-uavip-org.sandbox.hs-sites.com/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) --- ## News & Happenings [News](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings) ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/967937215/?guid=ON&script=0)