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The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program is proud to announce the graduation of 15 transitioning active-duty military service members from Camp Pendleton UA VIP Welding Class 27.
By completing the free 18-week accelerated welding program, graduates of Welding Class 27 obtained the skills necessary for a successful transition from active-duty military service to civilian life. The Camp Pendleton Welding Class 27 graduates are now equipped to pursue a fulfilling career in the piping industry. Following their graduation and successful transition out of the military, each UA VIP graduate is guaranteed a job that will provide livable wages as well as great health and retirement benefits.
“The service members in Class 27 have demonstrated a determination and hunger for knowledge in the trade,” said Camp Pendleton UA VIP instructor Sean Ellis. “I wish only the best for this class as they move on to their apprenticeships at their respective Locals and continue their hunger for knowledge.”
Throughout the 18-week career-training program, the 15 Welding Class 27 members obtained industry certifications that will help them succeed when they start working for a UA signatory contractor. This guaranteed employment allows transitioning active-duty military service members to provide for their families and avoid the stress some transitioning military members face when they search for a job after leaving service.
Class 27 member Corporal Richard Najera Caicebo, who learned about the VIP program while on deployment, expressed his gratitude to the UA program that has provided him free welding training.
“I am grateful and couldn’t ask for anything else,” he said. “They are showing that training is valuable and that they want me to be successful after I leave the Marines.”
In addition to a guaranteed a job, UA VIP graduates will enter a five-year UA apprenticeship program in an agreed upon geographical area. This apprenticeship provides classroom instruction in addition to on-the-job training to advance their skills in the pipe trades, while earning additional industry certifications.
UA signatory contractors are often eager to hire UA VIP graduates because they know they are getting an employee who is well-trained, ready to work, able to work under pressure, can complete tasks on time, understands the importance of reporting to work every day and wants to learn more about their trade.
For more information on the UA VIP Program, including participating bases, visit www.uavip.org.
Release ID: 375336