Veterans In Piping Program
Veterans, especially those returning from a war zone, often experience great difficulty returning to civilian life, finding new careers and re-entering the workplace.
We applaud the United Association for its commitment to helping our nation’s military by creating the Veterans in Piping Program (VIP). The VIP pilot program is currently taking place at Local 26 in Lacey, Washington.
The pilot program provides eligible veterans with an 18-week training course in pipe welding. The first two weeks of the VIP training program help veterans learn how to succeed in a civilian work environment. Much of this training involves making the transition from the team-oriented focus of the military to a focus on individual responsibility required by civilian occupations.
The remaining 16 weeks consist of classroom and hands-on welding training. Those who successfully pass the requirements will obtain a one-year apprenticeship certification. Additionally, the union works with area employers to assist the veterans in finding jobs upon completion of the course.
Programs such as this provide a critical element in the reintegration of members of society who put their lives on the line in defense of us all, and at the same time it works to address the ongoing skilled welder shortage. It’s truly a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Are you aware of similar programs available to veterans in the welding industry? Are you a veteran who has struggled to find meaningful employment or benefited from a program such as this? Share your story by posting a comment below.
Click the link to learn more about the Veterans In Piping program.
Average (Not Rated)
November 19th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Do you have any Dvd’s on pipe welding that I can buy.
December 12th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I can relate to this one my dad hade served in desert storme. he toled me how hard it was fore him to return to every day life. or to fined a job
March 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Vets should be made aware of welding schools they can attend while still in-service so they can learn before transition.
Military tuition assistance will pay for ONE “certificate” program, so heads up to schools:
OFFER a COMBINED STRUCTURAL/PIPE course! All ya do is combine courses on paper and offer a joint certificate. Easy stuff.
May 11th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Its hard for veterans to not only transition but to find a job. Especially if they specialize in one field to.