The Apprentice, Military-Style
VIP program trains veterans to be welders, then puts them to work.

For America’s returning veterans, finding a good civilian job in a recovering economy can be a challenge. For America’s builders, finding a skilled welder can be just as challenging.

Now there’s a program designed to help both. Veterans in Piping (VIP) is an accelerated 18-week program that trains military veterans to be apprentice welders, then places certified graduates into jobs. Launched in 2008 by the United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Techs (UA), the program partners with the U.S. military – which recruits and houses trainees.

“The UA VIP Program is the right thing to do, since these service members have given so much for their country,” said UA General President William P. Hite, who created the program.

Piping Hot Careers!
U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics reveal that 450,000 welders will be needed nationwide by 2014. The average age for welders is 54, according to the American Welding Society, so new welders will be needed to replace those planning to retire. The implementation of President Barack Obama’s plans for rebuilding America’s infrastructure also will increase the need for highly trained, quality welders.

“Right now there’s a big shortage of welders around the country,” Hite said.

Pioneer in Piping
In 2009, former Marine Lance Cpl. Vanessa Redford, 30, graduated from the second class at the Local Union (LU) 26 Training Center in Lacey, Wash. – one of two current training sites. A third is set to open this fall. Redford and her daughter moved to Georgia after graduating, where she now works for B&W Mechanical in Norcross. “Not very many women go into welding,” said Redford, “so I feel like a real trailblazer.”

Redford said the UA’s program parallels the kind of disciplined training she received in the military, making it an easier transition. “The greatest similarity between training with the UA and the military would be the UA’s standards of excellence,” she said. “Like the military, the UA expects each member to be the best at their craft and they offer the time and training to support that requirement.”

Training for Tomorrow
The program begins with a two-week orientation session – “Training for Tomorrow, Today…” –created by private coach and counselor Judae Bost’n, who works with transitioning veterans through the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “It’s all about transitioning from Soldier to civilian, and repackaging their skills, talents and strengths for civilian reality,” Bost’n said.

Orientation is followed by 16 weeks of welding training. VIP graduates earn certifications which allow them to continue their training as a second year UA apprentice. UA members perform work such as installing and servicing piping systems, plumbing fixtures, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. Apprentices start at $15 to $20 per hour, plus benefits and annual wage increases. Journeymen welders earn between $22 and $35 per hour, plus benefits, depending on the region.

Proud Piper
Jake Otten, 27, who graduated from the first class at Lacey and today is a LU 26 member, likes the sense of pride his work provides him. “I like knowing I’m part of building a hospital where lives are saved, or a school which contributes to America’s educational system,” he said.

Otten, like 25 percent of VIP grads, is still serving in the Reserves or Guard. The National Guard specialist is scheduled to deploy in January, about the time that he and his wife are expecting their second child. Otten works for JH Kelly Contracting in his home state of Washington. “The VIP program has been a great experience and has led me to an amazing career,” he said. “I now have the ability to buy my family a wonderful home and know that I have a great career waiting when I return.”

Piping Up
Marine Corps Cpl. Moses Zamora, 22, graduated in 2009 from the first UA VIP class at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and then relocated to Houston. “What really appeals to me is that there is no dead end to this job. You can always go up,” said Zamora, whose goal is to one day become a business manager at a UA local. “The VIP program is a win-win for everyone. The union gets a great worker and the servicemen and women get an awesome career.”

Ricky Weaver, superintendent at Letsos Company where Zamora is employed, gives him and the program high marks. “I’d be very happy if all future apprentices had his talents and strong work ethic,” Weaver said. “He’s already as good as some of the journeymen welders.”

Anne St. Eloi, UA special representative for training, has directed the VIP program since its inception. “With General President Hite’s vision and leadership, our UA VIP program is filling the biggest need of our returning heroes by aiding them in finding satisfying and lifelong careers,” St. Eloi said. “They consistently apply their valuable military training and attitude into rewarding employment as a part of our UA family, not unlike their military family.”

About the VIP Program
VIP graduates earn certifications which allow them to continue their training as a second year UA apprentice.  UA members perform work such as installing and servicing piping systems, plumbing fixtures, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Applicants to the VIP program must have an honorable discharge from the military and pass an entrance exam with a strong focus on math skills.

A living wage is paid during training and apprenticeship phase.

Upon successful completion of a piping apprenticeship, a wage of $22 to $35/hour, plus benefits, can be expected.

The United Association’s Commitment to Training
The UA has made an annual commitment of more than $200 million to training, with about 50,000 apprentices in training this year at over 400 training sites.

UA members contribute 10 cents per hour of their pay to fund programs like the Veterans In Piping program.

TheVIP program is currently in place in the states of Washington and California. A third training site is opening in Wisconsin in November. VIP graduates work for UA contractors across the country.

To learn more about the program, visit the UA VIP website www.uavip.org.