A new cohort of transitioning active-duty service members started their United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) training in Fort Campbell’s Fire Suppression Class 15.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active duty service members complete a stress-free transition from the military to a new civilian career in the pipe trades.
Curtis Amos, journeyman instructor, will teach Class 15 students through both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
For 118 days, Class 15 students will learn the basic skills necessary to begin a rewarding civilian career.
Army Master Sgt. Carl Pleimann knew the UA VIP program would teach him skills that would help him when he started his five-year apprenticeship.
“The VIP program guarantees a union job once the program is complete and it will give me a sense of purpose after the Army,” Pleimann said.
Army Sgt. Ian Markgraf was recommended to apply to the UA VIP program by a friend.
“I was attracted to the VIP program because I like working with my hands and the thought of starting an apprenticeship,” Markgraf said. “My goals for the program are to learn the basics so I can be better prepared when I leave the Army.”
Pleimann, Markgraf and their fellow Class 15 classmates will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications in sprinkler hazard, boom lift, forklift, OSHA safety and more during their time in the UA VIP program.
The UA VIP program offers accelerated training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression at the following military bases:
- Camp Pendleton (welding)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (welding and HVACR)
- Fort Carson (welding)
- Fort Cavazos (welding)
- Camp Lejeune (welding)
- Fort Campbell (welding and fire suppression)
- Naval Station Norfolk (HVACR)
Join the UA program today
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, graduates from Fire Suppression Class 15 will be placed at an agreed-upon location where they will begin a five-year apprenticeship.
As apprentices continue to learn and train, they will earn a livable wage with comprehensive benefits. Apprentices qualify for regular wage increases as their skills grow.
Graduates who complete the apprenticeship program will become journeymen. Reaching the status of journeymen can open doors to more career opportunities, such as foremen, superintendents, instructors and more.
Anyone who is thinking about transitioning out of the military and wants to start a rewarding civilian career that will allow you to provide for yourself and your family should consider applying for the UA VIP program.
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