Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
EDUCATING OUR NEXT FITTERS
VIrtual Instruction Path (VIP), have you heard of it? AFSA launched this training option for sprinkler fitting apprentices early in 2023, but we are excited to announce that courses are now available for all four levels. Each level provides 10 months of education to accompany the On-The-Job Learning (OJL) conducted by the employer and meet the related technical instruction (RTI) for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).
The education is based on the Sprinkler Fitting series, 4th edition. This series coordinates Level 1 and Level 2 with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition, and Level 3 and Level 4 with the 2022 edition of NFPA 13. These are the same textbooks issued with the AFSA Employer-Led Path (ELP), but with VIP AFSA provides the accompanying instruction.
Each course provides education for one level of apprenticeship. VIP includes the Sprinkler Fitting textbooks for that level, two live sessions each month, performance tasks to reinforce the modules, self-study components, and assessments. The live lessons are instructed by AFSA staff and industry subject matter experts. Each live lesson runs for two hours and includes time for discussion. Performance tasks reinforce the material that is being taught. These are overseen by the apprentice’s supervisor with confirmation being sent to AFSA as part of the student record. This reinforces the partnership of AFSA and employers in developing an apprentice to become a qualified sprinkler fitter. Each 10-month schedule is provided with registration.
VIP participation has grown! In the first quarter of 2026, each of the four levels launched a new class of students. With about 300 students currently enrolled in VIP, AFSA has added new staff this year to support the growth, allowing each course to have a dedicated coordinator to assist with their journey. Another Level 1 course will begin on Thursday, June 15, 2026. Yet don’t fear, there is still another launch for each of the levels in the second half of 2026 (and more on the horizon for 2027). Please check the website for dates and registration periods.
Now, if you are looking to dive into the details, have questions, or just learn more about VIP, there will be a webinar on June 18, 2026. The panel will include staff along with one of our current apprentices, an employer, and an instructor so the audience can hear about the program from a variety of perspectives. This discussion will highlight some benefits of VIP including providing structure to achieve course completion, aiding in motivating apprentices, and bringing subject matter expertise to your classroom. Bring your questions!
Success has been easily seen within companies that support their apprentices. What does this mean? Employers that show the importance of education within their company foster apprentices that see value in participating in class, completing their assignments, and putting effort into their assessments. Continued learning throughout apprenticeship and across their career creates quality sprinkler fitters that benefit the entire industry.
There is also an update coming soon to our apprentice management software. In the near future, employers will be able to access the progress of their students through a portal. This will be available to both VIP students and ELP students. This tool should help employers stay involved, assist their apprentices if there are any challenging subjects, and know what topics are being reviewed to coordinate their OJL and reinforce the subject matter.
Last, but not least, as AFSA continues to grow the program, we are seeking more subject matter experts to share their knowledge with the next generation. If you are interested, send your information through the online form at firesprinkler.org/trainers. Questions should be directed to AFSA Technical Program Director Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., FSFPE, at (214) 349-5965 ext. 125 or email valentine@firesprinkler.org.