What 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 Sprinklerfitter Sprinkler system installers, or sprinklerfitters 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 sprinklerfitter 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. Plumber 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 | Spring/Summer 2017 Adam Rule Becomes his Family’s Fourth-Generation Member 7 Fort Campbell’s First VIP Female Graduates Report Back 10 Semper Fi Fund Grateful for Support of the United Association of Plumbers, Fitters and HVACR Service Technicians 11 The VIP Program Accelerated My Career as a Welder/Pipefitter 12 5 “I think VIPs bring a special dedication to the industry. They’re not afraid to ask questions, and they take instruc- tion really well. They’re ready to roll the way I’d expect someone to be ready to roll. You don’t always get that when you hire a brand-new apprentice.” – Mike Filiau, pipe superin- tendent, Silicon Valley Mechanical