Fort Campbell Fire Suppression Class 14 students are officially halfway through their accelerated training through the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.
So far, students have learned the fundamentals of fire suppression through classroom and hands-on training, preparing them for a civilian career after they transition out of the military.
UA VIP students are guaranteed job placement at an agreed-upon UA Local after they graduate from the program and transition out of the military. Class 14 students have recently discovered where they will begin their UA apprenticeship.
Army Sgt. Ivo Danies will begin his UA apprenticeship at Sprinkler Fitters Local 696 in New Jersey.
Danies has enjoyed his time in the UA VIP program, so far he likes the way the class is set up and that the instructor thoroughly explains lessons.
“So far, the UA VIP program has been super good and helpful,” he said. “I have learned to cut pipes, install fittings, shape the pipes, read blueprints, mathematics and isometric drawings.”
He was referred to the UA VIP program by a friend and decided to join because he felt like the program would be a good opportunity to learn important skills.
For Danies, the UA VIP program stood out against other programs because of its benefits, like guaranteed job placement.
Other students in Fire Suppression Class 14 will travel to various parts of Tennessee, Minnesota, South Carolina, Iowa, Arizona and Ohio to begin their UA apprenticeships.
Class 14 students will graduate on Aug. 29. Once they transition out of the military, they will receive good hourly wages and high-quality healthcare benefits as apprentices.
The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVAC-R and fire suppression at the following military bases:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Camp Pendleton
- Fort Carson
- Fort Cavazos
- Camp Lejeune
- Fort Campbell
- Naval Station Norfolk
All active-duty service members in their last six months of service are encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program as part of their transition process.
More about UA VIP
The UA VIP program is a DOD SkillBridge program designed to smoothly transition active-duty service members into civilian careers by providing on-base training during their last six months of military commitment.
Established in 2008, the UA VIP program works to tackle workforce shortages in the union construction sector and decrease unemployment among veterans.
The UA VIP program recognizes that service members possess the skills and discipline essential for success in the union piping industry. UA VIP believes those who have sacrificed for our country deserve support as they transition to civilian careers.
After graduating and transitioning out of the military, UA VIP students are placed into a DOL-registered UA apprenticeship program and a guaranteed job with a UA signatory contractor.
For more information, visit the UA VIP website.
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