Former Army Sgt. 1st Class Dexter Clingan has already seen the benefits of joining the pipe trades through the UA VIP program despite only being in the first year of his apprenticeship.
After graduating from Fort Campbell Fire Suppression Class 13 and transitioning from the military, Clingan joined UA Local 669 and now works in Maryland. 
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program that allows service members preparing to leave the military to learn new skills that will lead to a rewarding career in the pipe trades.
Clingan said the UA VIP program taught him everything he needed to know to start a successful civilian career.
“The VIP program set me up for success,” Clingan said. “I went to work and jumped right in without needing to be taught everything.”
Several Career Skills and SkillBridge programs are available for transitioning military members, but the UA VIP program stood out to Clingan because of the opportunities it offered.
“The UA VIP program is the most complete program from everything from the knowledge and the skills to tools and job placement,” he said. “I walked into a job with two pensions waiting for me down the road with everything I needed and even paid my dues for the first few months.”
When Clingan arrived in Maryland, he began working right away and has already worked on a number of projects.
He has installed several different types of systems, including dry valve and high-speed deluge systems, clean agent systems and plastic in commercial residencies and has done extensive repair, remodeling and maintenance.
Clingan said the UA VIP program prepared him for almost everything he’s faced so far and added that the few work processes that he’s encountered that he didn’t feel 100 percent prepared for were things that will come with more experience.
Clingan recommends the VIP program to friends and fellow transitioning military members who want to start a rewarding career after the military with little stress.
“I really enjoy my job,” Clingan said. “I get to see a finished product, I have great insurance and a pension. The people in this field seem to care for each other and take care of each other. Hard work pays off here.”
More UA VIP info
After completing the program and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP graduates are guaranteed job placement into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program. 
Once VIP graduates successfully complete their UA apprenticeship training, they will become journeymen, which gives them even more career opportunities.
UA VIP offers nine programs at seven military bases throughout the country. The program offers training to help service members begin a civilian career in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at the following locations:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
Individuals interested in applying for the program do not need to be stationed at one of the bases in order to apply. Interested active duty transitioning service members are encouraged to visit the VIP website to learn more.
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