Another group of transitioning active-duty service members have begun their accelerated United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) training in Naval Station Norfolk HVACR Class 24.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program created to help active dirty service members transition from the military to a new, rewarding civilian career.
Over the next 118 days, Class 24 students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that will propel their careers after they transition out of the military and begin their UA apprenticeships.
Class 24 students will learn the basic skills needed for a future civilian career as an HVACR service technician from journeyman instructor Nastassia Leggett.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aidan Palmer is a class 24 student. He was attracted to the UA VIP program after he discovered it on the SkillBridge website.
“I wanted to join because of the job placement upon completion and the amount of help and information I received from the course instructor prior to enrollment,” Palmer said.
Palmer anticipates he will expand his knowledge of HVAC troubleshooting during his time in the UA VIP program and hopes to eventually become a journeyman.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class James Ellis is excited to learn the basics of HVACR and join a union.
“I grew up in a union home and it has always been my dream to better myself in a union,” Ellis said.
Ellis’ goals for his time in the UA VIP program include learning as much as he can to better himself and have a general knowledge of the trade to make himself useful and succeed when he starts his apprenticeship.
Join UA VIP
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following seven 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)
After graduating and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP students are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location, where they are guaranteed a job with a UA signatory contractor.
Once VIP graduates begin their apprenticeship, they will receive good wages and comprehensive healthcare for themselves and their families. Apprentices will qualify for regular wage increases as they grow their skills.
After they complete their five-year apprenticeship, they will become journeymen, opening the door for even more career advancement opportunities.
Visit the UA VIP website to learn more about the program.
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