Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
NAC Finalists Take Center Stage at AFSA44
Seven of the nation’s top apprentices will compete in the 32nd National Apprentice Competition (NAC) during AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, Oct. 15-18 in Washington, D.C. These finalists will put their skills to the test with a written and hands-on competition vying for cash prizes and national recognition. Showcasing the best talent in the fire sprinkler industry, this exciting event is one you won’t want to miss!
The National Apprentice Competition (NAC) 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 the AFSA Apprenticeship Program.
APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENTS
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 Fire 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 go on to participate in the live competition at AFSA44.
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 AFSA44; 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.
MEET THE FINALISTS
Seven of the nation’s top apprentices are heading to Washington, D.C, where they’ll compete on a national stage at AFSA’s annual convention. Who will take home the grand prize and bragging rights? Sprinkler Age caught up with each finalist for a quick Q&A so you can get to know them before they hit the competition floor.
Leona Ball, Piper Fire Protection, FL What’s your favorite part about the work you do? My favorite part is working with my hands and using tools to build fire sprinkler systems.
If you had a superhero power on the jobsite, what would it be? If I had a superhero power, it would be flight, so I can hang pipe without using lifts and ladders.
Stephen Dolan, Rieve Fire Protection, CT What advice would you give someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? When you first start, your job is to make everyone else’s job easier and more efficient. Ask questions as you go, don’t try to be an expert.
What does the future of the industry look like to you? I see the maintenance side of things exploding in the next few years as AHJs implement automation to track and enforce deficiency solutions.
Raul Larios, Hiller Companies, CA What’s the key ingredient to your success? My family. They always drive me and motivate me to better myself for them. They’re pushing me towards being successful.
What’s something you’ve learned in this trade that surprised you? The amount of people who don’t even know what a fire sprinkler is.
Christopher Redman, J.G. Tate Fire Protection System, Inc., CA Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? After being a firefighter, I loved putting fires out and wanted to do life-saving work.
What advice would you give someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? To remember you are doing life-saving work and don’t cut corners.
Corbin Rogers, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., SD What’s your favorite part about the work you do? Besides saving lives, one of the main things I enjoy about the fire sprinkler industry is the puzzle of installing systems. Things like what is the best way to install this system or what rules and codes are applicable to what I am doing right now.
If you had a superhero power on the jobsite, what would it be? The power to communicate better. Information is power and being able to share ideas more effectively would be an incredible power to have.
Kyle Strickland, Marmic Fire & Safety, AR Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? When I pursued this career, I was looking for a trade/company that I could grow in. I take pride in my work and love seeing it operational.
What’s something you’ve learned in this trade that surprised you? I was surprised by all the different styles of systems and heads.
David Walencewicz, Impact Fire Services, CT What’s something you’ve learned in this trade that surprised you? One thing about working in this trade that surprised me is how tight-knit the fire protection community is.
What does the future of the industry look like to you? I envision our industry maintaining its unique, passionately dedicated work culture as it also advances and adapts to new technologies and infrastructures.
JOIN US IN D.C. FOR THE NAC
Get ready for an unforgettable showdown as the finalists go head-to-head in the nation’s capital in the heart of the exhibit hall at AFSA44. The excitement is building, and AFSA44 is bursting at the seams with education, training, and non-stop FUN. Whether you’re there to learn, network, or just soak it all in, there’s something for everyone. For more details and to register, visit firesprinkler.org/AFSA44.