Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Top Students Recognized on 2024 Honor Roll
It’s time to celebrate the best of the best in fire sprinkler training! The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) started the National Apprentice Honor Roll in 2012 and has continued the annual tradition of spotlighting the top students. This honor roll showcases the brightest trainees who have not just completed the four levels of Sprinkler Fitting apprenticeship training but have raised the bar and received a 95 percent or higher GPA. AFSA is proud to recognize the top 2024 students of an impressive 187 graduates!
The following companies are the proud employers of inductees into the 2024 National Apprentice Honor Roll:
- Aqueduct Fire Protection, Williamstown, N.J.
- Blaze Fire Protection, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Impact Fire Services, Southborough, Mass.
- Johnson Controls, Inc., Raleigh, N.C.
- Maine Fire Protection, Bangor, Maine
- Mack Fire Protection, Middletown, Conn.
- Mammoth Fire Protection, Hudson, N.H.
- Titanium Fire Protection, Gretna, Neb.
“Congratulations to these companies whose support of their apprentices and investment in their craft training is proven with this exceptional recognition in the Honor Roll,” says Leslie Clounts, AFSA vice president of education services. “Not everyone completes an apprenticeship, and even fewer complete with outstanding grades like these students. They should all be very proud.”
Sponsoring employers will receive recognition plaques to honor their students, giving contractor companies the perfect opportunity to present these awards in an appropriate setting. AFSA is pleased to celebrate all contractors participating in this curriculum and encouraging fitter trainees to excel in their studies and ace their tests by bringing attention to these companies in Sprinkler Age and on the national stage at AFSA’s annual convention.
APPRENTICE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM (VIP)
The National Apprentice Honor Roll is just one way AFSA acknowledges the hard work and commitment of both apprentices and employers enrolled in the association’s apprenticeship training series. AFSA’s Sprinkler Fitting book(s) are produced through a partnership between AFSA and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). In 2023, the books were updated to correlate with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition.
The virtual instruction program (VIP) was launched in 2023 and continues to roll out new developments to enhance the program. The latest and greatest offering is the new Level 3 training! Each level provides 10 months of education to accompany the On-the-Job Learning (OJL) conducted by the employer VIP, which includes updated textbooks, two monthly live sessions, performance tasks to reinforce the modules, self-study components, practical quizzes, and assessments. The live lessons are instructed by AFSA staff and subject matter experts (SMEs). Let AFSA handle the related technical instruction (RTI) portion so you can focus on apprentices’ field training. For more details regarding the VIP program or to register, visit firesprinkler.org/vip.
NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION
AFSA actively encourages companies to inspire their apprentices to participate in the National Apprentice Competition (NAC). This competition is a popular opportunity for apprentices to showcase their skills, network with industry professionals, and gain recognition in the field. New cash prizes are being awarded for 2025 competitors—$10,000 for first place, $7,500 for second place, $5,000 for third place, and $2,500 for fourth through seventh place finishers.
Completing the competition’s Phase I testing is easier and more accessible than ever with online testing through each apprentice’s Canvas account. This year’s Phase II will take place at AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, Oct. 15-18 in Washington, D.C. It’s the perfect setting to display competing apprentices’ talent and highlight your company’s dedication to premier training. For more information on the NAC, including registration details and competition rules, visit firesprinkler.org/competition.