Fort Campbell Fire Suppression Class 15 students have reached the halfway mark of their advanced training in the UA VIP program.
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to help active-duty service members transition into a rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
Class 15 students are taught through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training from journeymen instructors.
Since Class 15 started in July, these active-duty service members have been preparing to become fire sprinkler apprentices.
So far, Class 15 students have learned how to thread, hang, cut and groove pipe, as well as OSHA and first aid training.
Army Master Sgt. Carl Pleimann has enjoyed his time so far in the UA VIP program and is looking forward to learning more before he graduates.
“My experience has been great,” Pleimann said. “The instructors are knowledgeable not only in the trade but also in putting my mind at ease with my upcoming retirement after 23 years of doing the same thing. I feel 100 percent better now about going into the civilian work force.”
Pleimann chose the UA VIP program over other SkillBridge programs because of the guaranteed job placement and top-tier benefits.
Pleimann will begin his UA apprenticeship at UA Local 669 in Nashville, Tenn.
Army Sgt. Ian Markgraf called the UA VIP program “rewarding” and said he is adjusting well to being in a classroom setting.
Markgraf heard about the UA VIP program from his old roommate. After doing more research and learning about the benefits and guaranteed job placement, he knew it was the program for him.
“I decided to join because of the guaranteed job placement and it offered a good opportunity and plan for leaving the military,” Markgraf said.
Markgraf will travel to Illinois to begin his apprenticeship with UA Local 669.
Other Class 15 students will travel to various parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon and Ohio for their apprenticeship programs.
Leave the military with a guaranteed job
Since it was created in 2008, the UA VIP program has helped thousands of U.S. service members begin a financially stable and rewarding career through the UA.
After Class 15 students graduate from the program and transition out of the military, they will join a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program and work for a UA signatory contractor.
Class 15 graduates will earn a livable wage, as well as full-family healthcare and retirement benefits.
Individuals who are interested in learning more about the UA VIP program are encouraged to visit the UA VIP website for more information.
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