UA General PresidentWilliam Hiterecently unveiled the United Association’s new Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program for military veteran outreach and employment. Through the program, the UA will target its recruiting at military bases and will include direct entry accelerated welding programs. The initial UA VIP event took place Aug. 4 at Local Union 26 in Lacey, Wash., in conjunction with the joint apprenticeship training program with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington.
The event showcased the admission of 18 veterans and National Guard members entering an 18-week accelerated welding training course, with a wage subsidy from state unemployment insurance and one year of apprenticeship credit and direct entry upon successful completion of the program.
