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Wisconsin Veterans in Piping (WPTA-VIP)

Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association

Skilled tradesOpen

At a glance

  • Cost: Free training
  • Format: In-person
  • Length: 18 weeks
  • Who qualifies: Vets
  • Applications: Open
Visit official page for Wisconsin Veterans in Piping (WPTA-VIP) (opens in a new tab)Checked
Full details
Cost
Classroom training is free. You pay for your own travel, lodging and meals, and you supply your own work boots and protective clothing. The 6 classroom weeks are unpaid. WPTA provides safety glasses or goggles and the other PPE and tools used in training.
Who qualifies
Wisconsin veterans, returning veterans, Reservists and National Guard members, age 18 or older, with a high school diploma or GED, a current driver's license and an insurable driving record, and no criminal convictions. You must pass a drug test before on-the-job training. Apply with a resume, your DD-214 (Member 4), recent Accuplacer scores and a five-year driving abstract.
Format
In-person classroom and hands-on training at WPTA training centers, then on-the-job training with participating union contractors.

Check current terms: Individual eligibility, seats and coverage must be confirmed with the provider.

Dates and availability: Status evidence: The official 2027 WPTA-VIP brochure lists an application period of Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027. Application window: Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027. Availability limits: For Wisconsin veterans, Reservists and National Guard members; transitioning active-duty members outside Wisconsin use the national UA VIP program. Next start: Classroom training Apr 12 to May 20, 2027; paid on-the-job training with union contractors in summer 2027.

Credential
Apprenticeship pathwayIndustry-recognized certifications and priority entry into a WPTA apprenticeship

Before you decide

What is free
Classroom and hands-on training is at no cost, and on-the-job training is paid work with participating union contractors.
Who qualifies
Wisconsin veterans, returning veterans, Reservists and National Guard members, age 18 or older, with a high school diploma or GED, a current driver's license and an insurable driving record, and no criminal convictions. You must pass a drug test before on-the-job training. Apply with a resume, your DD-214 (Member 4), recent Accuplacer scores and a five-year driving abstract.
What you get
Free 18-week pipe trades training for Wisconsin veterans, Reservists and National Guard members in plumbing, welding, HVAC/R and fire sprinkler fitting: 6 weeks of classroom training, then paid on-the-job training with union contractors and priority entry into a WPTA apprenticeship.
Credential and key limits
Industry-recognized certifications and priority entry into a WPTA apprenticeship. The training is recognized by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor.
Format
In-person classroom and hands-on training at WPTA training centers, then on-the-job training with participating union contractors.
Duration
Up to 18 weeks: 6 weeks of classroom training (four 10-hour days a week, Mon to Thu, 7 AM to 5:30 PM), then up to 12 weeks of on-the-job training (Mon to Fri, 7 AM to 3:30 PM).
Location
Wisconsin: WPTA training centers around the state, including Milwaukee, Madison, Sturtevant, Menomonee Falls, Kaukauna, Mosinee, Eau Claire and La Crosse. On-the-job placements can be anywhere in Wisconsin.
Deadline
Status evidence: The official 2027 WPTA-VIP brochure lists an application period of Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027. Application window: Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027. Availability limits: For Wisconsin veterans, Reservists and National Guard members; transitioning active-duty members outside Wisconsin use the national UA VIP program.
Next start
Classroom training Apr 12 to May 20, 2027; paid on-the-job training with union contractors in summer 2027.
Stipend / housing / travel
No pay during the 6 classroom weeks. Paid wages during on-the-job training. You cover all travel, lodging and meals.
Notes
Run by the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association (WPTA), the Wisconsin unions of the United Association (UA). This is the Wisconsin program; transitioning active-duty members outside Wisconsin can use the national UA VIP program instead. Students who miss or are late 3 or more times are removed, and must score at least 75% on all evaluations.
Availability
Open
Details checked
2026-10-20

Application and credential details

How to apply
  1. Complete the online WPTA-VIP application on the official page by Jan 31, 2027.
  2. Reply to the confirmation email with your resume, DD-214 (Member 4), recent Accuplacer scores, driver's license information and five-year driving abstract, or send them to cgall@uanet.org.
  3. WPTA contacts you about next steps after it receives your completed application.
Documents to prepare
  • Resume
  • DD-214 (Member 4)
  • Recent Accuplacer scores
  • Driver's license information
  • Five-year driving abstract
Additional requirements and limits
  • Classroom weeks are unpaid; you cover travel, lodging and meals.
  • You must pass a drug test before on-the-job training.
  • On-the-job placement can be anywhere in Wisconsin.
Application link
Open official application page
Credential or outcome
Industry-recognized certifications and priority entry into a WPTA apprenticeship. The training is recognized by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor.
Application details checked
2026-10-20
Application review status
Official-source review completed
Sources for these details
Availability checked
2026-10-20
Current availability
Open
Status evidence
The official 2027 WPTA-VIP brochure lists an application period of Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027.
Application window
Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027.
Program start
Classroom training Apr 12 to May 20, 2027; paid on-the-job training with union contractors in summer 2027.
Availability limits
For Wisconsin veterans, Reservists and National Guard members; transitioning active-duty members outside Wisconsin use the national UA VIP program.
Timing sources
View official programBack to the program finder

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