Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Apprenticeship Training That Delivers
This marks the third year for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)’s Virtual Instruction Program (VIP), and it’s making an impact within the industry. VIP is designed to deliver flexible, high-quality training to companies and apprentices within the fire sprinkler industry. “It is exciting to see five different courses running simultaneously right now,” says AFSA’s Director of Program Development & Special Projects Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., FSFPE. “The growth in our classes shows commitment and investment in the next generation of our workforce.”
Trio Fire Systems in Duncanville, Texas, is one example of a company taking advantage of all AFSA’s VIP program has to offer. For companies like Trio Fire, it’s proving to be a turning point in their training efforts.
DESIGNED FOR BUSY SCHEDULES
Field Superintendent Mark Clary, who oversees Trio Fire’s VIP apprentices, describes the program as exactly what they had been searching for. “We spent years trying to find something like this,” Clary says. “We’re AFSA members, and when this came up, it fit us like a glove.”
Clary currently supervises three Level 1 apprentices enrolled in VIP. He appreciates how the program gives him visibility into their progress through regular email updates. “My favorite part is being able to keep up with their progress. I get emails from the program, and it’s flexible. They [AFSA’s VIP team] understand we get busy in this business,” he explained.
Trio Fire started VIP in hopes of improving their team and enhancing overall job site performance. “We had the hands-on training part down, but what we needed was the book knowledge to back it up,” Clary explains. “This program bridges that gap.”
The VIP training not only helps large contractor companies but also small ones, like Trio Fire, to better manage time and resources. “For smaller companies that don’t have time to train, this program is good,” Clary adds. “You don’t have to stay after hours going through books with the apprentices.” Using this training program can give supervisors their time back, all the while providing apprentices with the instruction they need.
With VIP, Clary’s apprentices are already gaining the skills and confidence to move forward. “Other programs just give you the books and you hope the guys read them.” VIP helps provide structure and accountability among apprentices. When asked about future VIP plans, Clary answered that he intends to continue putting his apprentices through the program.
AN APPRENTICE PERSPECTIVE
Hunter Flaishans is a Level 1 VIP apprentice. He joined the program in late 2024 after bouncing from one job to another. At Trio Fire, Flaishans found his footing. “My brother had been trying to get me to work here, and one day I decided to go for it. I haven’t looked back since.”
Flaishans appreciates the VIP program’s flexibility and the quality of instructors. “They’re very knowledgeable and always willing to help. If you miss a session or want to go back and review, you can. Then you take what you learned and apply it directly in the field.”
Flaishans never saw himself in this kind of role, but it turned out he enjoys the hands-on aspect of the job and the chance to build a career. “You get paid to learn and travel around and have new experiences. I like traveling and not going to the same office every day.”
He encourages others to consider the fire sprinkler industry and the VIP path. “It can be easy, and it can be challenging. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s on you; you only have to apply yourself.”
MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
With AFSA’s partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), the curriculum texts—the Sprinkler Fitting series—have been updated and are now in its 4th edition. This version aligns with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition for VIP Levels 1 and 2, and the 2022 edition for Levels 3 and 4. Levels 1-3 are each provided with ten months of instructional education content to pair with the on-the-job learning (OJL) conducted by the employer, with Level 4 set for 2026 release. The education content includes the Sprinkler Fitting textbooks, two live monthly sessions, performance tasks to reinforce the modules, self-study components, and assessments.
“Watching the students learn and grow into the professionals this industry needs to carry it forward is so rewarding,” comments Valentine. “With Level 3 underway, we are now starting to see that turning point that comes with experience.”
Participants are required to attend interactive sessions led by AFSA staff and industry experts. Each session is two hours long and allows time for group discussion. The mandatory sessions are held twice each scheduled day to accommodate different time zones. After registering, a calendar with specific session dates and details is provided.
Scott Pugsley, SET, FPET, professor/industry coordinator for Seneca School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is one of AFSA’s VIP instructors. “Scott’s a great instructor who keeps me interested and intrigued by what we are learning. He keeps me on my toes yet is educationally entertaining,” says one student.
The performance tasks correspond with each lesson throughout the course, and the assigned supervisor (employer) ensures the completion of these tasks, which must be completed to advance to the next level. The self-study portion allows the apprentice to review relevant readings, videos, and articles as needed. Assessments will also be conducted through the learning management system and virtually proctored. For Level 1 and Level 2, there will be one exam per module. For Levels 3 and 4, the number of assessments will be reduced from those corresponding to the 3rd edition of the textbooks, but for subjects that warrant it, there may be more than one exam per module.
VIP CONTINUES STRONG
In just three years, AFSA’s VIP has become an essential asset for companies seeking a convenient and effective way to train apprentices tailored to their specific needs. For businesses like Trio Fire Systems and apprentices like Hunter Flaishans, it’s more than a training program but also a resource to advance their skills and grow in their careers.
Looking for a more flexible and efficient approach to train your apprentices? AFSA’s VIP is the solution! To learn more, visit firesprinkler.org/vip. For any questions or to learn more about AFSA’s education and training opportunities, email training@firesprinkler.org or visit firesprinkler.org/education.
READY TO LEARN LIKE A VIP?
Level 1 Begins July 22:
- Early bird registration: Feb. 27 – Jun. 7
- Regular registration: Jun. 8 – Jul. 12
- Late registration: Jul. 13 – Aug. 12
Level 2 Begins Aug. 5:
- Early bird registration: May 6 – Jun. 20
- Regular registration: Jun. 21 – Jul. 25
- Late registration: Jul. 26 – Aug. 25
Level 3 Begins Oct. 7:
- Early bird registration: Jul. 9 – Aug. 23
- Regular registration: Aug. 24 – Sept. 27
- Late registration: Sept. 28 – Oct. 28
Level 4 Coming Quarter 1 2026!