The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program celebrated the graduation of Fort Carson Welding Class 29 on Dec. 19.
After Class 29 graduates transition out of the military, they will begin their civilian careers in the pipe trades.
UA VIP graduates are guaranteed a job and direct entry into a DOL-registered apprenticeship program with a UA Local Union at an agreed-upon location.
During their time in the UA VIP program, Class 29 students learned from journeymen instructors Jose Ballejo and Ezra Saint-Peter through both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Students had the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that they will carry with them to their home Locals.
The UA VIP program sets students up for success by providing them with the training necessary to perform proper installation, maintenance and repair of various piping systems.
The UA VIP program offers 118 days of on-base training to help transitioning service members prepare for a civilian career in welding, HVAC-R or fire suppression.
Transitioning service members can apply for the UA VIP program at the following military bases:
- Camp Pendleton (Welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Welding and HVAC-R)
- Fort Carson (Welding)
- Fort Cavazos (Welding)
- Camp Lejeune (Welding)
- Fort Campbell (Welding and Fire Suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVAC-R)
Class 29 will soon begin their apprenticeships
Soon, Welding Class 29 graduates will relocate and begin their five-year apprenticeship programs, once they transition out of the military.
The UA VIP program allows graduates to begin careers in an agreed-upon city.
Army Sgt. Armando Luna will travel to Texas to begin his UA apprenticeship with UA Local 211 while Army Sgt. Dylan Geril will relocate to Nevada to begin his apprenticeship with UA Local 350.
Other Class 29 graduates will relocate to various parts of Texas, Illinois, Arizona and Colorado.
While working as apprentices, VIP graduates will earn good wages and will qualify for medical benefits.
As apprentices, Class 29 graduates will continue to learn and improve their industry knowledge and skills through on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
The skills learned during the UA VIP program prepare students for a long, rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
If you are a military member in your last six months of service, consider applying for the UA VIP program today.
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