Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR Class 31 students have reached the halfway point of their advanced training in the UA VIP program.
The UA VIP program is a DOD Skillbridge program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition into sustainable pipe trades careers.
Since Class 31 started last November, these active-duty service members have been preparing to become future UA apprentices.
Recently, Class 31 students selected an agreed-upon UA Local Union in an area where they want to live and start their civilian careers after they transition out of the military.
Marine Cpl. Jorge Moreno will begin his five-year apprenticeship with UA Local 467 in San Diego, Calif.
Moreno joined the UA VIP program because it was free and offered benefits like guaranteed job placement.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Zackery Stoehr wanted to join because he was interested in HVACR and knew it was a high-demand trade. He said his experience in the UA VIP program has been excellent.
Stoehr will stay in Washington and will start his apprenticeship with UA Local 44 in Spokane.
Army Spc. Dakota Thompson listened to journeyman instructor Dave Gibson give a presentation about the program and after doing additional research, he knew it was the best option for him.
Thompson will relocate to Tennessee and begin his apprenticeship with UA Local 102 in Knoxville.
Other Class 31 students will begin their five-year apprenticeships with UA Union’s in various parts of Tennessee, Washington, Kentucky and California.
More UA VIP info
The UA VIP program offers 118 days of accelerated training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression. Listed below are the seven military bases with the programs offered:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Welding and HVAC-R)
- Camp Pendleton (Welding)
- Fort Carson (Welding)
- Fort Cavazos (Welding)
- Camp Lejeune (Welding)
- Fort Campbell (Welding and Fire Suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVAC-R)
Once VIP students graduate from the program and transition out of the military, they will join a DOL-registered apprenticeship program and go to work for a UA signatory contractor.
While working as an apprentice, VIP graduates will be paid a livable wage and will qualify for medical benefits for not only themselves but for their families. They will also earn retirement benefits including a 401(k) and pension.
As apprentices, VIP graduates will continue to learn and improve their technical skills and industry knowledge through classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
If you or someone you know is in their last six months of active-duty service, consider applying for the UA VIP program today. Learn more on the UA VIP website.
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