b'What is the UA?ua.orgFollow us on Twitter @UAPipeTrades. Download our Mobile App: Open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for United Association, and select Install/Get to download. Like our United Association Facebook page. Connect with us on Linked in (United Association of Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Technicians). The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and PipettingIndustry of the United States and Canada (UA), affiliated with the national building trades,represents over 359,000 plumbers, pipetters, sprinkler tters and service technicians. And The UAs Veterans in Piping (VIP) program is an award-winning program that offers high-quality skills training and jobs in the pipe trades industry to active-duty military personnel who are preparing to leave the service. The United Association established the program in 2008 as a means of addressing two important issues: 1. A growing shortage in the construction industry of skilled workers due to the combined effects of an aging workforce, increased demand, and lack of skills training for youth; and 2. Despite the fact that U.S. veterans are disciplined and highly trainable, they continue to experience an exceedingly high unemployment rate upon transition-ing from the military.We are here to combat that. www.uavip.org How Does the VIP Program Work?Participants are selected for accelerated 18-week programs in welding/pipetting, re sprinkler tting, or as service technicians for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) sectorall elds experiencing an increased demand for skilled workers. Training is completed while on active duty prior to transitioning out of the service. Participants also earnindustry-recognized certications as part of their education. Upon graduation, every VIP partici-pant is offered the opportunity to direct entry into the UAs apprenticeship program, leading to lifelong career options. All training is paid for entirely by the UA and its industry partners at NO cost to participants. To be truthful, this is actually the rst program that Ive heard of that has been able to do The UA this, Tramayne L. Meeks, VIP program liaison and education technician at Staff Sgt. Glenn H. English Jr. Army Education Center, Fort Campbell, said. If soldiers are accepted into theprovides allprogram, they need only bring their positive attitudes and can-do spirit. Everything elseis provided for them, including a job. training andAnd Then? placementAn apprenticeship is a mixture of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and you can also resourcesearn college credit while youre going through the apprenticeship program. It is like a college, because as a VIP graduate you will receive advanced instruction preparing you for your career. without anyBut unlike a college, you will earn while you learn, meaning you will get paid while on the job. A typical apprenticeship lasts ve years, but VIP graduates usually enter at a higher level and com-costs to theplete their training in less time. Five years might seem like a long time, but remember you are working and earning a living. We continue to train you so that you are highly employable. That is governmentour goalto give you the skills to have a successful lifelong career as a piping professional.or service Am I Eligible? member!The VIP program is open to military personnel preparing to leave the service and currently sta-tioned at a participating base (see index on page 15 for participating bases and contact informa-tion). You must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be physically capable of performing work. I wanted a eld that would teach me along the way. I knew that this would be a goodcareer transition. - Myles Curtis, Fort Campbell, KY, VIP graduate, welding class 024 opsCAREER'