Robert Vilches began his apprenticeship in 2000 at UA Local 110 in Norfolk, VA. He worked in the field as an HVACR Service Technician and Foreman. He worked part time as an instructor for local 110 for 12 years. In 2014 he graduated the UA Instructor Training Program (UA ITP) and earned an AAS in Industrial Training from Washtenaw Community College. Robert left the field to become a full-time instructor for the UA Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program at the Naval base in Norfolk, VA. In 2018 he was invited to be an instructor for the UA ITP. In 2021 Robert was hired by the UA ITF as a Training Specialist where he continues working for the members of the UA.