United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program Fort Cavazos Welding Class 27 students have reached the halfway mark of their advanced training.
With eight weeks down and about eight weeks to go, these active-duty service members have been diligently training for a civilian career in the pipe trades, after they transition out of the military.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition into a rewarding civilian career.
After transitioning out of the military, VIP graduates will be placed in a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.
At this point in their training, Welding Class 27 students have started to discover where they will begin their five-year apprenticeship program.
Army Spc. Alexander Cotellessa will begin his apprenticeship with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 286 in Austin, Texas.
Army Signal Support Systems Spc. Paul Carver will travel for his apprenticeship program. Carver will begin his apprenticeship with Pipefitters Local 597 in Chicago.
Other Class 27 students will begin their apprenticeship programs in other parts of Texas, Alabama, Massachusetts, Arizona, Oklahoma and Utah.
During their time in the UA VIP program, students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that will help them as they begin their apprenticeship.
Most students graduate from the UA VIP program with certifications in SMAW and GRAW pipe welding and more.
The UA VIP program offers accelerated training in welding, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) and fire suppression.
The UA VIP program is offered at the following military bases:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- 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 UA VIP program do not need to be stationed at the bases listed above in order to apply.
What the UA VIP program can provide
For 118 days, Fort Cavazos Welding Class 27 students will learn the fundamentals of welding through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
After completing the program, graduates will gain direct entry into a UA-registered apprenticeship program, where they will continue to learn and improve their skills.
During their five-year apprenticeship program, students will earn competitive wages and quickly become eligible for comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their families.
Eventually, apprentices will top out and become journeymen, which opens up a multitude of career paths and further opportunities for career advancement.
All active-duty service members planning to transition from the military are encouraged to explore the possibilities the UA VIP program has to offer on our website.
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