United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program Administrator and Training Specialist Mike Hazard joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how the UA VIP program helps provide transitioning active-duty service members with the foundations to begin a career in the piping industry.
Hazard appeared as part of AWF’s celebration of Veterans Day.
Founded in 2008, the UA VIP program has helped over 2,900 veterans land good-paying careers with UA signatory contractors. It provides transitioning active-duty service members with 18-weeks of training to prepare them to work in the pipes trades in a guaranteed job after they leave the military.
However, the program does not offer charity, Hazard cautioned. Students are expected to learn foundational skills and earn industry-recognized certifications to make them employable. He explained how the discipline the students learn through the military can be exceptionally valuable on a construction site.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the UA VIP program.