United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program Fort Campbell Welding Class 25 students have reached the halfway point of their advanced training.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition into a successful civilian career.
After completing the program and transitioning out of the military, VIP graduates will be placed in a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.
For Army Spc. James Berte, the on-base training has been easy thanks to the instructor's clear instructions.
Berte learned about the UA VIP program through a CSP brief and described his experience so far as frustrating but rewarding.
“The actual class is very good,” Berte said. “Welding takes a long time to see improvement, but from where I started eight weeks ago, I’m happy.”
There are several Skillbridge programs, but UA VIP stood out to Berte because it offers guaranteed job placement after graduation.
“It’s impossible to list everything we’ve learned so far,” Berte said. “My favorite part is just that we get so much hands-on time. Most days, we start welding at 7 a.m., and that’s all we do all day. It’s amazing because that’s what it takes to get better.”
After graduating from Class 25 and transitioning out of the military, Berte will begin his five-year apprenticeship program with UA Local 693 in Vermont.
Some Class 25 students will stay in Kentucky to start their apprenticeships, while others will travel to various parts of Tennessee, Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at the following military bases:
- 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)
Students who are not stationed at one of the military bases that offer the UA VIP program are still encouraged to apply.
Union benefits
During the second half of their on-base training, Class 25 students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications before they graduate on April 3.
After Class 25 students graduate and transition out of the military, they will receive good hourly wages and comprehensive healthcare benefits for themselves and their families while working as UA apprentices.
After completing apprenticeship training and topping out as a journeyman, the door for more career advancement opportunities opens, allowing VIP graduates to become superintendents, instructors and more.
Active-duty service members who are ready to transition out of the military and still need a reliable civilian career are encouraged to visit the UA VIP website to learn more about the great opportunities within the UA.
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