Sprinkler Fitter Success Story - Patrick Sullivan

Patrick Sullivan grew up in North Pole and joined the Army soon after graduation from North Pole High School. After four years of service, one year in Korea, Patrick returned to Alaska in early 2003. Although he didn't have any prior construction experience, Patrick thought he might like to give that industry a try. He spoke with the business manager at the Fairbanks Carpenters local, who told him about a new program to recruit service members and veterans into the building trades, Helmets to Hardhats. Patrick registered on the Helmets to Hardhats website and checked out information on several of the local union apprenticeship programs. In July of 2003 he was called for an interview with the Sprinkler Fitters union and King Fire Protection, and was hired as an apprentice. Sprinkler Fitters are a specialty occupation within the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters who construct and maintain fire protection systems.

"It's been a great opportunity, for me and for my family," says Patrick. "The benefits are very good, and I'm really enjoying the work and the related class training, which is done by correspondence with Penn State." Journeymen Sprinkler Fitters earn over $30 an hour plus benefits.

"Patrick's working out really well," says Mike Bozine, business agent for Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 and president of the Anchorage Building and Construction Trades Council. "Our positive experience with him - our first Helmets to Hardhats recruit - led to several others being hired from the program last year. Veterans bring a lot to the table - positive attitude, self-discipline, maturity - it's a real win-win. Not to mention the fact that they've earned a shot at the best jobs - and we've got them."

Patrick was able to utilize his Montgomery GI Bill education benefits to supplement his training wage during apprenticeship. "You get higher monthly payments at the beginning, when your wages are lower, and then the benefit is reduced as your wage increases."

Most of Patrick's work has been for King Fire Protection of Fairbanks. "I've been working mostly in the Fairbanks area, but was also at Pogo Mine for a while. And when Rich (Rich King, owner of King Fire Protection) didn't have anything for me for a while last summer I worked for another union contractor in Soldotna."

Would he advise other vets to consider a career in construction? "Definitely. If you like working with your hands and don't mind hard work, it's a great opportunity." [MORE]