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Ten transitioning service members of the United Association Veterans in Piping Program (UA VIP) Fort Carson Welding Class 12 celebrated their recent graduation with a congratulatory picnic and networking event in mid-June.
The United Association (UA) Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program provides transitioning active-duty military service members training for a career in the UA by teaching service members the skills needed to become successful tradesmen and tradeswomen in the piping industry. Graduates from the Fort Carson Welding program are guaranteed job placement with a UA signatory contractor and direct entry into the UA’s apprenticeship program.
“This class had to persevere through a lot outside of the class and that is what we hope they continue to do throughout their apprenticeship,” said UA VIP Fort Carson Welding Instructor Bowie Gregg. “I wish the best of luck to them on their future careers with the UA and I am proud to serve them as they have served for us.”
The skills learned by the Fort Carson Welding Class 12 graduates will lead them into UA apprenticeships around the country in agreed upon geographical areas and jobs that provide livable wages and great benefits. Throughout the UA VIP program students obtained industry certifications, such as the UA 21 and UA 100 welding certifications, OSHA 30 and other skills necessary to work in the pipe trades.
Transitioning active-duty military service members who successfully complete the UA Veterans in Piping Program can experience a seamless transition back into civilian life thanks to guaranteed employment. UA VIP graduates can focus on relocating to their desired destinations and immediately begin a career in the pipe trades. The UA is proud to provide transitioning active-duty military service members with the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families, while alleviating the burden that often accompanies those seeking employment upon their re-entry into civilian life.
The UA VIP program provides free career skills training to transitioning active-duty military service members on select bases across the country. Upon graduation, the transitioning active duty military service members enter a five-year apprenticeship program with the United Association. Throughout the apprenticeship program, members further their skills and knowledge by gaining additional classroom instruction and on-the-job experience.
The UA VIP Program currently operates nine programs at eight different military bases throughout the country. This program serves active-duty military service members of the U.S. armed forces who are planning to transition from their military service. The UA VIP Program is free of charge to participants who receive career training in one of three disciplines: welding, fire sprinkler fitting or HVAC-R.
The UA VIP Program helps decrease the number of military service members that are unemployed after separating from the military and also reduces the manpower shortage in the construction industry. The shortage is a combination of the effects of an aging workforce, increased demand for workers and the lack of skill training for our youth.
For more information on this program, including participating bases, visit www.uavip.org.
Release ID: 365738