Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16What Are the Jobs? Welder/Pipefitter A welder works in every area of the construction industry where metals and alloys are joined. They will work with plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVACR technicians. Work will include installation, mainte- nance, and repair of all types of piping systems, as well as joining struc- tural steel brackets and supports for such systems. A welder has to work in many different environments and in all types of positions. Welders will study blueprints, drawings and specifications for the job and must measure, cut and weld using various methods and tools. HVACR Service Technician A service technician's work covers the general responsibilities for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR). This would include the installation and maintenance of all sizes of heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial, institutional and in- dustrial applications. Some job-specific applications include complete gas piping installations, high-voltage electrical components, testing and analyzing, and startup of systems. Fire Sprinkler Fitter Sprinkler system installers, or sprinkler fitters as they are commonly known, have detailed knowledge of fire codes and the methods for in- stallation of sprinkler piping systems, and a responsibility for life safety in residential, commercial and industrial applications. They install wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, and chemical fire protection and extinguishing systems, just to name a few. As a sprinkler fitter you will install and maintain high- and low-pressure piping, equipment and devices to supply fire protection systems with water, foam, carbon dioxide, and other materials in hospitals, commer- cial buildings, manufacturing plants, homes, and in apartment buildings. Plumbing Our contractors and members are actively engaged in plumbing instal- lation, repair, service and maintenance of piping and plumbing systems and equipment used for drinking (potable) water distribution, sanitary waste drainage, storm water systems and gas distribution. Our plumbers also work on technical installations for medical gas in hospitals and nursing homes, hydronic in-floor heating, solar thermal panels, heat pumps, cross-connection control and many other systems necessary for the health and safety of the general public. Our Contractor Partners We are fortunate to have forged strong partnerships with the Mechani- cal Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Mechanical Service Contractors Association (MSCA), Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Con- tractors Association (PHCC), Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA), Pipe Fabrication Institute (PFI), and the National Fire Safety Association (NFSA). Contents CAREERops Career Opportunities in Piping for Transitioning Veterans | Fall/Winter 2016 VIP Welding Program Prepares this Pipefitter for His Dream Job 7 HVACR Service Technician Program Was The Right Choice 10 Embracing Her Role as a Pipefitter Welder 12 Find Your Future: VIP® Programs Across the Nation 14 5 On the Cover “I was a signal support systems specialist in the Army for four years. I’m from East Lansing, MI. I didn’t have any experience welding when I was the first one accepted into the VIP Welding program held at Local 58 in Colorado Springs, CO. The first week was challenging, but I picked up on it right away. As I got close to graduation, I learned I was coming home to work out of Local 333 in Lansing. It’s exactly where I wanted to be. I got home July 23 and started working for Johnny Green doing plumbing on Aug 1. I’ve been working at Michigan State University installing plumb- ing at a new residential housing facility. I really liked the program. My aspiration is to be well-rounded. I want to be proficient in welding, plumbing and pipefitting. I feel like this is the way to prepare to always be employed.” – Sean Castillo, Local 333, Lansing, MI