United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program Administrator and Training Specialist Mike Hazard joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the benefits of the UA VIP program and how it provides members of the military with a chance for a direct path to a union career as a piping industry tradesman or tradeswoman.
Hazard appeared as part of the podcast’s recognition of National Apprenticeship Week.
In the last 180-days of their enlistment, active-duty transitioning military service members are eligible to apply for the UA VIP program, an 18-week accelerated training course where participants learn basic pipe trades skills from an experienced instructor through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training.
After completing the program and transitioning out of the military, veterans gain direct access to the UA’s apprenticeship program at an agreed upon geographical location. Apprentices earn while they learn and are eligible to receive quality healthcare for their families, while they begin to build a pension and 401K for their retirement.
The UA VIP Program is available at seven military installations across the country. Programs are available for those interested in getting into the welding, sprinkler fitting or heat, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigerator repair (HVAC-R) fields.
Hazard also spoke about the UA VIP Member Assistance Program (VIP MAP), which provides suicide awareness and prevention training for VIP participants.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the UA VIP Program.