For former Navy and Marine Corps personnel, the term, “UA” usually carries with it negative legal ramifications. But that’s not so for some returning veterans who are looking to, “go UA” to receive some assistance in transitioning to civilian life. 
   The “UA” that has returning vets’ attention is, of course, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the U.S. and Canada, an international construction union. The UA’s popular Veterans in Piping Program, which trains returning vets for work in the construction industry, has just opened its doors aboard Camp Pendleton.
   “Career and lifestyle transitioning is a key part of the training that the United Association is providing for veterans,” said US director of training Mike Arndt. “Returning veterans need to rebuild their civilian lives. We hope that our program will break new ground in helping our returning heroes.”
   The UA VIP Program’s career and lifestyle transitioning is held eight hours a day, five days a week for two weeks. It is very intensive, with strong follow-up. Following the career and lifestyle transitioning, the VIP Program enters a 16-week period of hands-on welding training. Skilled welders are in short supply and the welding training element helps to assure that participating veterans will be able to find work nationwide. 
   For more information, visit the UA VIP Program Web site.