Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Apprentices Take the National Stage
Seven of the nation’s top fire sprinkler apprentices are headed to San Antonio, Texas, to compete in the 33rd Annual National Apprentice Competition (NAC) to be held during AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, Sept. 27-30. After earning their place as a finalist, they’ll face a series of written and hands-on challenges designed to test what they’ve learned in the classroom and in the field. National recognition and thousands of dollars in prize money are on the line in this annual event.
“This is such an exciting and rewarding time of year because we get to witness the results of the planning and hard work by so many dedicated volunteers and apprentices at AFSA45,” comments Competition Organizer Brett Heinrich, president of Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., Salina, Kan.
The National Apprentice Competition was started in 1994 by the late Robert (Bob) L. McCullough, then chair of the Apprenticeship & Education Committee. The NAC was created to promote apprentice training and recognize apprentices who are actively enrolled in AFSA’s apprenticeship program.
“The competition puts on display what top-scoring apprentices nationwide learn and put into practice,” says Heinrich. “This curriculum not only develops skilled fitters, but also develops the skills needed for successful careers in fire protection, developing future industry leaders and mentors.”
APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENTS
The road to the competition floor begins well before AFSA45. Eligibility for apprentices to compete is based on the following criteria: their employer must be a member of AFSA in good standing, the apprentice must actively be participating in the AFSA apprenticeship courses or enrolled in the NCCER/AFSA Sprinkler Fitting Training Series, and they must have at least one year of field experience with a minimum of six months combined hands-on experience in cutting, threading, and installing steel pipe and CPVC pipe. The first competition phase consists of a 100-question multiple-choice exam provided by AFSA. The test is proctored online, making it accessible to contestants from all 50 states. The results of this test will determine who will advance to the live competition at AFSA45.
The top seven apprentices in Phase I receive a full registration to the convention and a second full registration for their employer, an expense-paid trip to AFSA45, hotel accommodations, and a brand-new set of hand tools to use in Phase II.
Phase II entails a more thorough written exam given at the convention, followed by a live practical installation in the exhibition hall. The Phase II exam is based on all four levels of the AFSA/NCCER Contren® Learning Series Sprinkler Fitting curriculum. For the installation, apprentices must cut, thread, and install a steel and CPVC piping system with sprinkler heads and perform a water pressure test. Participants are graded on accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety. The combined results of the Phase II written and hands-on tests determine the winner. Prizes are awarded based on finishing rank: first place takes home a $10,000 cash prize, second place receives $7,500, third place receives $5,000, and all other finalists receive $2,500.
“The relationships forged in these types of events will benefit someone throughout their entire career,” says Steve Cook, Impact Fire Services, LLC, who has an apprentice in this year’s competition. “I encourage all the apprentices to try their best and enjoy the process at the same time.”
MEET THE FINALISTS
The seven finalists are heading to San Antonio, where they’ll compete on a national stage at AFSA’s annual convention. Before the tools come out and the clock starts, Sprinkler Age caught up with each finalist to learn a little more about their path into the trade, what they’ve learned along the way, and where they hope to go next.
Robert Barry, Impact Fire Services, LLC, Southborough, Mass.
What advice would you give someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? It’s a great opportunity for anyone who is willing to work hard. If you’re going to go for it, put down your phone and always pay attention. Learn anytime you can, even if it’s a time you have nothing to do, watch the guy you’re with.
What’s the key ingredient to your success? I’m a hard worker and always try to be the best that I can be.
Anthony Castillo, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Pleasanton, Calif.
Tell us about yourself. I was introduced to the industry by a friend who was already in the trade. Outside of work, I’m a sports enthusiast and enjoy downtime. I also pick up different languages with ease.
What’s something you’ve learned in this trade that surprised you? Not everything is the way blueprints show. There are a lot of on-site corrections and calculations needed to make things work in the field.
Mason Castle, Castle Sprinkler & Alarm, Inc., College Park, Md.
What’s your favorite part about the work that you do? Seeing everything come to fruition from the plans and being able to take part in the process. It’s rewarding to see the evolution of a project take shape.
What’s next for you after your apprenticeship ends? I am planning on pursuing an engineering certificate for water-based layouts through NICET.
Skylar Gregor, Hiller Companies, LLC, Los Angeles, Calif.
What does the future of the industry look like to you? The future of the industry looks like it’s growing; there’s always work to be done. We just need people who are willing to learn and don’t want to give up when things get hard. There are a lot of opportunities out there.
What advice would you give someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? My advice would be to join a company where you can learn and grow. I learned fast because I was willing to learn, and because they were willing to teach and let me do more.
Jimmy Griggs, Brendle Sprinkler Co., Montgomery, Ala.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I chose to pursue a career in fire protection because I love how hands-on everything is. Also, what I’m doing could truly save lives. It’s a puzzle, and every piece has to be touched and put in just right for it to work properly and efficiently. Especially in new construction, seeing a structure start from nothing and what it looks like when it’s finished.
If you had a superhero power on the jobsite, what would it be? My job site superhero power would be super strength without a doubt.
Evan Larson, Total Fire Protection, Inc., Brandon, S.D.
What advice would you give someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? Keep up routines, integrity, and make a plan to get the job done.
Tell us about yourself. I love having fun with my son and fiancée; we draw, bike, and play games. I got into this industry through my dad, who works for the same company and offered me a job. I joined and really enjoyed it.
Trevor Sweet, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Denver, Colo.
What’s next for you after your apprenticeship ends? To have a state and city license, which will allow me to run my own job.
If you had a superhero power on the jobsite, what would it be? The ability of metal manipulation.
INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION
Quality training is more than required coursework. It means giving apprentices meaningful field experience, encouraging questions, providing strong mentors, and challenging them to improve their skills. Jason Martin of Castle Sprinkler & Alarm, Inc. says, “The minimum standard may satisfy a requirement, but it does not define professional excellence. We challenge our team to ask questions, study applicable codes and standards, learn from experienced techs, and take ownership of the quality of their work.”
Gene Taylor of Brendle Sprinkler Company describes the benefits of investing in training, “We’ve seen increased knowledge, confidence, and motivation from workers. It’s also a helpful tool to identify who really wants to stick around and make this job work.”
The NAC gives employers another way to support the team they’re building. Encouraging apprentices to participate provides an opportunity to test their knowledge, challenge themselves against other apprentices, and see how far their training has taken them. Employers see value in the NAC experience.
“What we hope our apprentice gains from competing at the national level goes far beyond the competition itself,” says James Moss of Total Fire Protection, Inc. “We want him to build confidence in his skills, strengthen his problem-solving abilities, and gain valuable experience working under pressure.”
WHO WILL RISE TO THE TOP?
See the 33rd National Apprentice Competition live! The finalists will put their training to the test in the AFSA45 exhibit hall, which provides four days of education, networking, and fun. There’s something for everyone! For more details and to register, visit firesprinkler.org/AFSA45.