UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) - welding, HVACR and fire sprinkler SkillBridge
United Association (UA) of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Who it's for
- Transitioning active-duty service members (SkillBridge); veterans are referred to local UA apprenticeship programs
Open to: active duty / transitioning service members. - Cost
- Free
- Free with no benefit?
- Yes: no GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC benefit needed.
- What you get
- 720-hour DoD SkillBridge course in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at select bases; graduates are placed into a UA local apprenticeship
- Type
- Training program / bootcamp
- Credential strength
- 4/5: Free pre-apprenticeship training with direct entry or credit into a registered apprenticeship.
- Duration
- About 18 weeks (720 hours)
- Format
- In person
- Location
- Select military installations
- Deadline
- Rolling / varies
- Next start
- Varies
- Stipend / housing / travel
- Keeps military pay (SkillBridge)
- Jobs it can lead to
- Welder; HVACR Technician; Pipefitter; Sprinkler Fitter
- Notes
- Also see ua.org/career-paths/programs-for-veterans/.
- Official page
- uavip.org/faq
- Last checked
- Oct 4, 2026