The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program has opened its doors to a new group of transitioning active-duty service members who are embarking on their training for a civilian career in the pipe trades.
Fort Carson Welding Class 30 students have begun classroom learning and hands-on training to help them prepare for life after they transition out of the military.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from military life to a rewarding civilian career.
Army Spc. Ryan Beggs learned about the UA VIP program from years of seeing flyers and other print materials on base. When he knew he was ready to transition out of the military, he went to the UA VIP program website and applied.
“The pros of the UA VIP program were better than anything else I could have done to start off my welding career,” Beggs said.
Beggs is eager to learn the basics of welding during his time in the UA VIP program and will take what he learns and apply it when he begins his UA apprenticeship after he graduates and transitions out of the military.
Army Spc. Bol Dut learned about UA VIP from his squad leader, who went through the program.
“I hope to learn fundamentals that I can always retreat to if I am ever in a situation that is over my head or above my skill level,” Dut said.
Beggs, Dut and their classmates will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that will remain valid when they begin their apprenticeship. These certifications will help them stand out from other apprentices on the jobsite.
The UA VIP program offers 118 days of 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)
Additional information
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students will be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location, along with a guaranteed job with a UA signatory contractor.
While working as apprentices, VIP graduates will earn good, union wages and receive quality healthcare benefits.
Graduates who complete the apprenticeship program will become journeymen. Journeymen can eventually become foremen, superintendents, instructors, UA signatory contractors and more.
Active-duty service members who are interested in a rewarding, civilian career after leaving the military are encouraged to visit the UA VIP website to learn more.
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