b'Sean-Keoni Ellistion with Randy. Local 430 used Triangle equip-ment, and Pete was very familiar with it. When Randy spoke to Kenny and Pete about the idea of a mobile bend training and testing unit, they were excited to investigate the options.The team went to Pioneer Pipe and worked with Triangle Engineering, and they laid out and designed the trailer. Lincoln and Miller donated the equipment. Pete said, They were both very impressed with the concept of a mobile unit de-signed for the operation of testing equipment. Pete continued, As a part-time instructor, Ive spent so much time and worked so hard to become proficient in welding and being involved with proj-ects like this is just an incredible experience. Pete was asked to come to the Instructor Training Pro-gram as a faculty member to teach other instruc-tors how to operate the machine and all the fixtures that go through it.Pete said, When I was in the Marine Corps, Sean-Keoni Ellis is pictured teaching one of the for the last three years, I was an instructor. I veterans classes at the Instructor Training Program. taught a lot of Marines the basic development of As the military lterssmall-unit leadership, and then I rolled into being a welder and then a part-time instructor. But last into the UA, and babyprentice Contesta feat achieved by the most- year was my first year teaching peers and col-elite welders in the UA. He then went on to be- leagues, and you find yourself asking, Are they boomers continue to come a certified welding inspector (CWI), and hejudging me on the materials Im giving them? is currently a CWI/ATR instructor for his homeSome of these guys have been doing this for 25 retire, VIP graduates arelocal, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 430 in Tulsa,years, and youre in the infancy of doing it, and stepping into leadershipOK. Not only was Pete attending the Instructoryoure saying this is the way were going to do it. It Training Program, but he was also one of the in- can be a little stressful. I feel comfortable teach-roles. This natural pro- structors teaching other instructors on a newing, though. I try to find the best way to describe welder testing machine housed in a mobile trainingwhats going on. Ive been so fortunate to have gression, in and of itself,unit. In addition to being an instructor, Pete wasbeen fast-trackedfrom starting in the Camp also instrumental in the development of this ma- Pendleton Veterans in Piping program to being surprises no one. Thesechine and training mobile unit.where I am today. But being an instructor at the UA Training Specialist Randy Gandy said, TheInstructor Training Programthats incredible! examples underline theinitial concept for the Welders Performance De- Randy said, Pete was very instrumental in get-structive Testing Mobile Unit was to expediteting this program up and running. He was already fact that there are otherwelding testing on the jobsite for UA members.very experienced with the equipment, and his apti-Destructive testing or bend testing is a simple andtude and attitude were perfect for this job. paths to take in the UAinexpensive qualitative test that can be used toAs the military filters into the UA, and baby evaluate both the flexibility and soundness of ma- boomers continue to retire, VIP graduates are step-once an individualterial, along with the skillset of the welder. ping into leadership roles. This natural progres-Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 430, Tulsa, OK,sion, in and of itself, surprises no one. These reaches the milestone welding training coordinator Kenny Eden andexamples underline the fact that there are other part-time weld instructor Pete Villanueva becamepaths to take in the UA once an individual of a journeyman. involved with the project after they had a conversa- reaches the milestone of a journeyman. Career Opportunities in Piping for Transitioning Veterans|Fall/Winter 2019 11'