Marine Staff Sgt. Cory Matyevich began his new career as a welder when he transitioned out of the military in 2023.
The year before he transitioned out of the military, Matyevich enrolled in the UA VIP program at Camp Lejeune where he was stationed. 
The VIP program is a DOD SkillBrige program that allows military members who are preparing to leave the service to learn skills that will lead to a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades. Students learn through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction.
Matyevich is working as a first-year apprentice with Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 520 in Harrisburg, PA., the same agreed-upon location he selected before graduating from the UA VIP program.
“The VIP program has set me up with a unique set of skills and certifications that allowed me to have a guaranteed job with benefits,” Matyevich said.
Matyevich began working immediately after arriving at Local 520 and feels like his UA VIP training has prepared him for all the jobs he has encountered so far. He has worked on welding and demolition work, at a chocolate factory and a veterans mental health and addiction treatment center.
Matyevich would recommend the UA VIP program to anyone who is preparing to transition from the military back into civilian life.
“The program is one of a kind,” Matyevich said. “It gives you skills that can last a lifetime.”
Matyevich was taught by journeyman instructor Greg Abrams during his time in the UA VIP program. He credits Abrams for his success.
“More instructors like Mr. Greg are needed across the board,” Matyevich said. “You can’t teach experience and patience like he gave to our class.”
Additional UA VIP program information
UA VIP graduates are guaranteed job placement and entrance into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program after graduating and transitioning out of the military.
After successfully completing the apprenticeship training, VIP graduates turn out as journeymen, giving them even more opportunities to expand their careers.
UA VIP offers nine programs held at seven military installations throughout the country. The program offers training in welding, HVAC-R or fire suppression.
- 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)
Individuals interested in applying for the UA VIP program do not need to be stationed at one of the bases listed above in order to apply.
All active duty transitioning service members are encouraged to apply on the website.
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