Fort Campbell Fire Suppression Class 16 celebrated their graduation from the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program on May 22.
Once they transition out of the military, these graduates will begin their new civilian careers as union sprinkler fitters.
The UA VIP program was designed to assist active-duty military members in their final six months of service by offering DOD SkillBridge training in the pipe trades to prepare them for a smooth transition into a civilian career.
Class 16 students were taught the fundamentals of fire suppression by experienced UA journeymen Curtis Amos and Kyle Shrum.
During their time in the program, students had the opportunity to earn certificates in steel pipe threading and grooving, rigging and signaling, copper joining and more. These certificates will help Class 16 students stand apart from other apprentices on jobsites.
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)
UA VIP sets students up for success
Since 2008, the UA VIP program has helped thousands of active-duty service members as they transition from the military into rewarding civilian careers.
After graduating from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, VIP graduates will begin their five-year apprenticeship with a UA Local Union at an agreed-upon location.
UA VIP graduates obtain a valuable skillset that makes them stand out from their peers.
Their military experience and the skills learned during the UA VIP program prepare students for a long, rewarding civilian career in the pipe trades.
If you are getting ready to transition out of the military and are interested in the trades, apply for the UA VIP program today.
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