Career Opportunities in Piping for Transitioning Veterans | Spring/Summer 2019 11 labor. Rachel’s VIP instructor, Billy Platt, explained, “When Rachel was placed in Local 101, Business Manager Scott Deitz requested that she have a cou- ple of specific certifications that are required to work at the Prairie State Energy Campus. We got her trained in those processes with no trouble at all. She ran three coupons, and on the fourth, she tested. I got into the weld booth with her, and she followed everything I did. She is going to be a star UA welder for years to come. I’m very proud to call her my friend.” Rachel is now a fourth-year apprentice, and she loves what she does. She also remains in touch with Billy Platt. She will turn out as a journeyman in Au- gust. She stated, “I can’t speak enough about the transition from the Marine Corps to the UA. The Marine Corps taught me everything that I would need to know to be successful in my new career. Ini- tially, when I first came on the job, I worked with my steward. I think they were feeling me out to see where I would fit in the best. I am a single mom now, and I must say that the union hall has worked with me tremendously when it comes to working out my childcare issues. My kids often stay with their dad when I’m working. My son is eight, and my daughter is now four. I do miss the Marine Corps, but between work and raising my kids, I don’t have a lot of spare time. I’m currently going through a med gas class through my apprenticeship so that I can work in hospitals. I am trying to pre- pare for everything. Down the road, I would love to be a VIP instructor at a Marine Corps base. I will work on getting my CWI (certified welding inspec- tor) certification in the future to be eligible for that. I’m also interested in attending the Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor to learn to be an instructor.” Looking back on the program, Rachel had some final thoughts. She said, “Applying for the VIP pro- gram was the best decision I ever made. I always en- courage other Marines to try to get into the program. There will always be naysayers wherever you go. You just have to stay focused, keep your mind in the game, and have goals to continue to work toward.” As Rachel prepares to turn out as a journeyman, she continues to up the bar regarding her own aspirations. With the training and support she receives from the UA, Rachel’s goals will be within her reach. Pipefitter/Welder “I can’t speak enough about the transition from the Marine Corps to the UA. The Marine Corps taught me everything that I would need to know to be successful in my new career.” Rachel LaBlance