Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice
HOW IT WORKS

Apprentice Training Details:

The success of your Student and this Virtual Instruction Program relies heavily upon three key parties over an approximate ten-month period:
• Apprentice (Student)
• Employer/Supervisor
• American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)

To get the edge on the competition, you need well-trained employees who can work quickly and correctly. It takes training to get that leading edge. Enrolling your employees in the AFSA Apprenticeship Training Series for Sprinkler Fitters will reap the benefits of a qualified, professional installation crew. Well-trained employees will work more efficiently, increasing your company’s productivity and, in turn, its profits.

DOLETA or SAC

Using AFSA’s curriculum as the basis for your Apprenticeship Training Program, you can register your company’s program with the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) or State Apprenticeship Council (SAC), which will enable you to be more competitive on federal (and some state) projects. Keep in mind that this is a growing market for fire sprinkler contractors that helps diversify your business opportunities.

Your company can benefit from using the AFSA training program without registering it with a government agency. You can use this unique AFSA program solely as in-house training to upgrade team member skills. However, if you choose not to register for your program, you will not receive wage concessions on government contracts.

A Guide to Help you Set Up and Administer an Effective Apprenticeship Training Program

The AFSA Apprenticeship Training Program develops skills through formalized training that is cost-effective, skill-specific, goal-oriented, and can be designed to meet individual company training needs. AFSA members with successful programs have contributed proven methods and experience to the Training Made Easy guide to help you start your training program. In the back of the guide, you will find sample forms — an Apprentice Data Sheet and Testing Log, Unit Test Remarks, and an On-The-Job Learning Log – for your use. These forms may be duplicated for use in each apprentice’s file.

What’s Involved?

THREE KEY FIGURES play pivotal roles in the success of AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice Training.

Fitters looking at plans

AFSA

Deliver a blended learning environment to include:

  • 144 hours of CEUs
  • Convenient online testing
  • Virtual online test proctoring
  • Retake Codes

Student, the Apprentice

  • Commit approximately 15 (fifteen) hours per month for 10 (ten) months to complete one level of RTI.
           1. This will combine webinars, self-study, performance tasks, and exams.
  • Schedule accordingly to attend each live webinar (2 per month).
  • Keep pace with Program activities, including performance tasks overseen by your  Supervisor, as recommended in the Program.
  • Pursue studies to attain passing scores of 70+ on each assessment administered by  AFSA.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
Fitter Hanges PVC Pipe

Employer

  • Vet and recruit the right candidate(s) for this Program.
    • Consider a probationary period and the use of a promissory note before enrollment.
      • Template available in the Virtual Instruction Program Guide.
    • Evaluate appearance, attitude, and aptitude.
      • Apprentices reflect your company with others on the job sites.
      • Consider integrating an aptitude test into your hiring process.
        • These can measure verbal and written comprehension, general reasoning, and basic numerical operations.
        • One option is available here.
        • Designate an in-house supervisor for the Student to oversee their training over the next ten months. (See Assignment of Personnel Form.)
          • Ideally, this person will also coordinate/confirm that the apprentice is on track with their performance tasks.
          • Adhere to activities and related timelines concerning performance tasks as recommended in the virtual instruction program.
            • This ensures the Student keeps pace within the Program cycle and is aptly prepared as each new phase of this comprehensive Program begins.
            • Document on-the-job learning (OJL) in accordance with your DOL program, as applicable.
      • Ensure Student availability for Program course work including all live webinars, performance tasks, and assessments.
      • Provide guidance, support, and feedback to Students throughout this training endeavor. Your recordkeeping and evaluation of Student progress are critical to ensure successful completion. (See Assignment of Personnel Form.)
      • Provide necessary safety training for apprentice(s). AFSA’s curriculum is not to be relied upon as the sole source for safety training.