Timothy “Robbie” Lanham joined the UA VIP program when he decided to transition out of the military in 2018. 
Six months prior, the Marine Corporal enrolled in Camp Lejeune Welding Class 11, where he learned the basics of welding.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members who are preparing to leave the service learn skills that will help them begin a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
Now, Lanham is a journeyman with UA Local 502 in Kentucky, the same agreed-upon location he selected before graduating from the UA VIP program.
“The VIP program allowed me the opportunity to earn my UA-21 and start as a second-year apprentice with Local 502,” Lanham said. “Local 502 allows me to continue to advance in my career while earning an honest wage.”
There are several SkillBridge programs, but UA VIP seemed different to Lanham for a number of reasons.
“The direct partnership with the UA made VIP stand out to me,” he said. “It’s highly sought after by the individuals that are aware of it. It’s very competitive interviewing, and the application process also piqued my interest.”
After he arrived at Local 502, Lanham immediately began working. He said his VIP training prepared him for every job he has encountered.
“I’ve worked at several chemical plants, distilleries and food-grade processing plants,” Lanham said. “I’ve had the chance to encounter several types of steels from carbon steel, stainless steel and nickel-based alloys such as Inconel and Hastelloy. I’ve been on several 100 percent X-ray jobs and welded on coded pressure vessels.”
Lanham would recommend the UA VIP program to anyone who is preparing to transition from the military back into civilian life. 
“I would tell any service member interested in applying to stay hungry and motivated because a program like this is hard to come by, and if you are afforded the opportunity, you have to take advantage of it,” Lanham said. “You get out what you put in. There’s a pool of knowledge these instructors are offering, and you must be ready and willing to soak it all up.”
Lanham also utilized the skills he acquired from Camp Lejeune’s Welding Class 11 and his apprenticeship to launch his own side business, Semper Dimes, specializing in crafting leather products and welding hoods.
Start a civilian career with UA VIP
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, VIP graduates will be placed with a UA Local Union at an agreed-upon location to begin their five-year apprenticeship with guaranteed job placement.
During their apprenticeship, UA VIP graduates will earn good union pay and quality health insurance, including a pension and a 401K. As apprentices expand their knowledge in the trade, they will receive regular raises. 
After successfully completing their apprenticeship, UA VIP graduates will achieve the status of journeymen, opening doors for more career advancement opportunities.
The UA VIP program offers 118 days of accelerated training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at seven military bases across the country.
Active-duty service members who are considering transitioning out of the military and want to begin a civilian career that will allow them to provide for themselves and their families are encouraged to visit the UA VIP website to learn more about the program.
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