The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program welcomed another class of transitioning active-duty service members who are training for a future career in the pipe trades.
The students of Fort Campbell Welding Class 24 have begun classroom learning and hands-on training to help prepare them for a rewarding civilian career.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program created to help active-duty service members smoothly transition from military life to a rewarding civilian lifestyle.
After seeing the benefits the UA VIP program offers, Army Spc. Jacob Lucas knew joining the program would prepare him for a rewarding civilian career with the UA. 
“I was attracted to the UA VIP program because it offers a guaranteed job with a UA apprenticeship program and the great benefits of the UA,” Lucas said.
Lucas was looking at the UA’s website when he came across the UA VIP program and realized it was the perfect way to get started in the pipe trades.
His goals for his time in the UA VIP program are to pass the UA 21 welding test and learn as much as possible to start a successful apprenticeship.
“My goal is to join a Nashville Local and succeed in my apprenticeship, setting my family up for a good future,” he said.
Army Spc. Cole Sorensen is excited to start the UA VIP program and learn how to weld.
“I’ve always been interested in learning some sort of trade and the educational videos on the UA’s website about how the program operates got me interested,” Sorensen said.
During his time in the UA VIP program, Sorensen wants to earn welding certifications to help progress his career in the piping industry.
After he is placed with a Local Union, Sorensen’s goals are to be financially stable and have a career path he can follow in order to be successful in life.
Sorensen and his classmates will have the opportunity to learn oxy-fuel cutting and SMAW and GTAW welding on plates and pipes. These certifications will travel with them to their new Local.
Apply for the UA VIP program today
For 118 days, students will be trained through a combination of classroom and lab instruction. They can choose welding, HVAC or fire suppression.
Transitioning active-duty service members can apply to any of the following seven military bases:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Camp Pendleton
- Fort Carson
- Fort Cavazos
- Camp Lejeune
- Fort Campbell
- Naval Station Norfolk
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students will immediately be placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program with a guaranteed job.
Graduates who complete the apprenticeship program will become journeymen. Journeymen can eventually become foremen, superintendents, instructors, UA signatory contractors and more.
As apprentices continue to train and learn, they will earn a livable wage with regular wage increases as their skillset grows.
Active-duty service members who are looking for a career change after leaving the military are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program.
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