Over the last decade, more than 2 million men and women have served and sacrificed for our nation. Despite being a disciplined and highly-trainable population, military members face an exceedingly high unemployment rate upon leaving the service.

To ease the transition back into civilian life, the United Association established the UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program to equip military service members preparing to leave the service with sought after skills that can lead to lifelong careers in the increasingly in-demand pipe trades. The courses, which are 118 days in length - provided free of cost on military bases across the country - VIP participants earn industry-recognized certifications and direct entry into solid private-sector jobs with good pay and benefits.

In addition to veteran unemployment, the UA VIP Program was created to address a growing shortage in the construction industry of skilled workers due to the combined effects of an aging workforce, increased demand, and a lack of skills training for youth.

With praise from Congress, the U.S. Department of Labor, the military and media, the UA VIP Program is recognized as one of the best active-duty military transition programs in the country.