Continuing our Women’s History Month coverage, America’s Work Force Union Podcast was joined by the first female trainer for the United Association Veterans in Piping Program, Rachel Leblance. Lablance discussed her journey into the program, how she became a trainer, and how the Department of Defense SkillBridge program helped shape her life today.
Lablance’s childhood was difficult, and she tried to avoid a similar situation in her adult life. After high school, she joined the U.S. Marine Corp. as an aircraft mechanic. When her commitment was almost up and she was beginning her transition out of the Marines, she found the UA VIP program. She immediately started the process of getting into the 17-and-a-half-week transition program, where she was able to earn eight welding certifications. After the program, she joined UA Local 101 in Belleville, Ill. as an apprentice, where she’d top out and stay for the next 8 years of her career.
Then, an opportunity arose for Lablance to return to the UA VIP program as a welding trainer. Mike Hazard, UA VIP Program Manager, called to offer her the trainer position at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. Lablance talked about how her 8 years as a sergeant in the Marine Corps helped her take on the role as the first female trainer in UA VIP’s history.
Lablance talked about the union difference and how the program helped her join the UA and create a better life for her and her family. She said the UA VIP program can be a life-changing experience for military members transitioning to civilian life. For military members looking for careers, she recommends visiting the website UAVIP.org to learn more about the program.
To hear more from Lablance on the UA VIP program and being the first female trainer listen to the show above.
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