Former Army Spc. Matheaw Gundrum embarked on a new career path as a fire suppression apprentice after transitioning out of the military in 2023.
Before leaving the service, Gundrum enrolled in the UA VIP program in Fort Campbell Fire Suppression Class 9.
UA VIP is a DOD SkillBridge program that offers transitioning military members the opportunity to learn new skills that lead to a rewarding career in the pipe trades.
Gundrum is grateful for the UA VIP program. He said the transition itself was hard but the UA VIP program gave him a great introduction to his new civilian career by giving him firsthand experience in the trade.
While several Career Skills and SkillBridge programs are available to transitioning military members, Gundrum found the UA VIP program to be unparalleled.
Unlike many other programs, UA VIP offers guaranteed job placement without affecting the GI Bill.
After completing the program, Gundrum joined UA Local 669 and began working with Western States Fire Protection.
He is now in the second year of his apprenticeship and has worked on various projects in the federal, city, and private sectors around El Paso, Texas.
Gundrum praised the program's comprehensive training, which prepared him for the jobs he has encountered.
"There have been no skills or work processes that the VIP program didn't prepare me for," he said.
He highly recommends the VIP program to fellow service members transitioning to civilian life.
"It's a great skill-building training that only takes 18 weeks,” he said. “You get a really big lead over those who just walk in off the street. The certifications will get you far ahead. If I could go back, I would do it all again.”
UA VIP program info
UA VIP graduates are guaranteed job placement into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program after graduating and transitioning out of the military.
After successfully completing the apprenticeship training, graduates become journeymen, opening further career path opportunities.
The UA VIP program offers nine programs at seven locations nationwide, providing training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression.
Active-duty transitioning service members are encouraged to apply on the website.
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