On Jan. 6, the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members to begin training for a civilian career in the pipe trades.
Students in Camp Lejeune Welding Class 28 will be taught by journeymen instructors Greg Abrams and Rachel Lablance through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition out of the military and into civilian life.
Over the next 118 days, Class 28 students will learn the basics for a future career in the welding industry. They will also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that will propel their careers when they begin their UA apprenticeship.
Class 28 students will learn oxy-fuel cutting and SMAW and GTAW welding on plates and pipes, as well as other various certifications that will be valid when they start their civilian careers.
The UA VIP program is provided free of charge, offering graduates direct entry into a UA VIP apprenticeship program and guaranteed job placement after they transition out of the military.
Transitioning active-duty service members are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program during their last six months of military commitment.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at seven military bases across the country. Applicants do not need to be stationed at one of these bases in order to apply:
- 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)
Apply for the UA VIP program
UA VIP recognizes that men and women with military experience bring a strong work ethic and other valuable skills into the piping industry that UA signatory contractors highly value.
Since its creation in 2008, the UA VIP program has tried to address two issues: veteran unemployment and the growing shortage of trained construction workers.
The training course has provided thousands of career opportunities to service members who decided to return to civilian life.
After graduating and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP students are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program with guaranteed job placement.
As apprentices, they will receive good wages and comprehensive healthcare. As apprentices expand their skills, they will receive regular wage increases.
If you are an active-duty military member in your last six months of service, consider applying for the UA VIP program today. Learn more on the UA VIP website.
Comments