Monitor pressure in pipe system and observe connected pressure gauge to test systems for leaks. Our Commander and Chief Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., and AFSA Second Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, has always wanted to better her team members with all the best training. have a variation, and its my job to know, so the system works correctly. Sprinkler fitters are professionals in the plumbing industry trained to install, modify, and inspect sprinkler systems. The text addresses important fire-prevention topics and discusses how various devices, including sprinklers, can be used to stop fires and save lives in the early stages of a disaster, Fire Investigator - an interesting read for anyone with a desire to understand the nature of fires and how to prevent them, Fire Investigator approaches fires from an analytical and scientific perspective. The fire sprinkler industry has come a long way, and I know that everyone has heard stories from the past, including me. Coordinate of work with other trades on each job site. All apprentices will participate in a Health and Welfare program that provides medical coverage and life insurance. They often install Fire Protection Systems, which include underground and overhead piping, that automatically turn on in the event of a fire. If you want to become a journeyman, you will likely work as an apprentice for three to five years. The conditions will likely depend on the job. He knew the codes and standards like he was a fire sprinkler encyclopedia. Reading and interpreting contract drawings, specifications, and fire codes including NFPA. Regardless, their typical duties and responsibilities include: To become a sprinkler fitter, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Work overtime, which includes weekends to respond to emergencies. Local 696 Benefits Office was created to manage the benefits for our members and their families. An Apprentice is paid at a percentage of the Journeyman wage. While there isnt much data for the salary of a sprinkler fitter, the average salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, is about $53K. Unlike a firefighter, I dont run into the burning building when a fire breaks out; I am already there. Testing systems for leaks using water or air. Scheduled inspection routes for service vehicles and acted as dispatcher to direct employees to emergency calls and handled communication with venders. Resume samples in the field mention duties such as designing hose systems, installing sprinklers, testing system functionality, repairing defective parts, cutting pipes, welding tubes, and following blueprint specifications. Organized anywhere from 3-6 jobs at one time, Traveled to jobs all over Texas and New Mexico fixing leaks and breaks for service, Completed tasks in a timely manner while promoting positive customer service, Mentored junior apprentice team members, providing guidance on proper techniques and safety, Maintained a clean and organized work area, Job oversight, planned and scheduled various construction activities for large building projects, Reported to supervisors, project managers, subcontractors performing work, Ensured that work went according to plans laid out and followed all state and legal specifications and NFPA standards with regards to building practices. Provide input to estimators and designers on man power needs and problem locations on construction sites. 7050 Oakland Mills Road These stories are what have made me love what I do. Those working in Seattle, WA or Salem, OR may earn more than $70K, on average. Trouble shoot and repair fire sprinkler systems. Installed and supervised the installation, service and repair of wet, dry, pre-action, Halon, FM-200, AFFF systems, Deluge, and CO2 Systems. Involved in the layout, rough-in, and installation of sprinkler pipe. Is a career as a sprinkler fitter right for you? Performed overhead pipe installation tasks working with steel piping systems. You will start as an apprentice and work your way up to a journeyman position. Let the following resources help you make the right professional decision: American Fire Sprinkler Association - the AFSA is an organization dedicated to educating the public about fire prevention and safety. However, its more common for a local union to offer apprenticeships. Find out what is the best resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Format Guide. Evening, holiday and weekend hours are often necessary, as sprinkler fitters are routinely on-call for emergency repairs. This includes: To qualify for the Sprinkler Fitters 669 Training Program, you must check to confirm the followingfive items: Address With so much riding on the skills of our Sprinkler Fitters, it is critical that our journeymen receive the best training available. After the first year, apprentices typically receive a raise every 6 months upon meeting the minimum requirements of their apprenticeship program. Copyright 2022 by TheCareerProject.org, a property of, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Popular Career Fields Following the Great Resignation and the Future of Work. Install overhead fire protection systems in various buildings, Trained to read, understand, and update blueprint drawings, Operated aerial lifts and tools related to the pipefitting trade. Hilliard, ITM, Hydraulic Calculations, Design, and Apprenticeship Programs Offered In-Person and Virtually The American Fire Sprinkler , 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350 For this reason, they must be tested regularly to ensure they are fully functional according to state and local regulations. The Apprenticeship Program is a five-year program with on the job training and a 19 Course correspondence through a nationally recognized college. Design, retrofit and streamline equipment requirements for conceptual projects. As you work towards becoming a sprinkler fitter, you will want to work on specific skills. While you are not required to join a union, many sprinkler fitters will join one. Lets look a little closer at what a sprinkler fitter does and how you can become one. These hours will likely be rather common business hours. We encourage all to apply! Helped foreman with coordinating field fabrication of sprinkler pipe. We strive to stay abreast of the continual evolution of fire sprinkler systems and fire safety regulations. Here are the five most important pieces of advice our professional mentors would share with a student before he/she chooses to pursue a career as a sprinkler fitter: All the members of the union are extremely knowledgeable, and ready to help, said sprinkler fitter Megan Ringwelski. Iwas given the task of writing an article on a day in the life of a sprinkler fitter. After completing an apprenticeship program and passing the required exams, sprinkler fitters are qualified to perform tasks independently. Residential & Commercial installation experience in existing and new construction. Once you have entered the Apprenticeship Program and have completed your six-month probationary period you are eligible to become a member of Local 669. If you do not have a UA Card Number please contact the UA Local 696 Union Office and they will provide you with your temporary password.
I wasnt too sure about it at first. Every safety meeting I attended, Linda talked about: training, the AFSA apprenticeship program, a career in the industry, and the tools available to me as a team member. The wage rate of apprentices is determined by the Class of the apprentice. Believe me when I say that being a fitter is not for the faint of heart. Others will work a pretty strict 40-hour week. Supervised up to 10 coworkers in the service and installation of Sprinkler systems. Blue print reading and modifications to systems to ensure systems are installed in accordance with all NFPA guidelines pertaining to fire protection systems. This is normal, but if they are not replaced or repaired in a timely manner, they will not be able to perform their most important function. Sacramento, California also pays a higher-than-average salary range. Communication with vendors and problem solution resolution. Reminding myself every job is different, and each one is a learning experience is something important to me. Performed service work on fire sprinkler systems. Must have other than dishonorable discharge from the military (if applicable). As of June 1, 2019, the current starting pay for a first-year apprentice is $21.89 per hour. Install overhead sprinkler systems in restaurants and warehouses. Organization and ordering of materials for job sites. To become a sprinkler fitter, you will need a high school diploma and to complete an apprenticeship program, where you will learn all the skills you need. Yes. You may work in commercial or residential buildings. Columbia, MD 21046, UA Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Copyright 2022 - Training 669: Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 JATC. Sprinkler Fitters and Apprentices Local 696 is dedicated to At the United Association of Sprinkler Fitters, Local 696, we're responsible for protecting businesses, schools, homes, and, more importantly, precious lives, from the devastation of fire. Every six months of the Apprenticeship the apprentices records are reviewed to make sure that there is satisfactory progress both on-the-job and in the related training courses. You will need to consult your local union or trade school to find out the specifics of your apprenticeship program. These include: These skills will help you to become a successful sprinkler fitter. They may do multiple jobs with different job duties. Yes, you can advance as a sprinkler fitter. Although I didnt win, I met an amazing group of guysbetter yet, brotherswho I competed against. Each six months of the Apprenticeship the apprentice records are reviewed to make sure that there is satisfactory progress both on the-job and in the related training courses. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: J.D. Installed fire pumps, jockey pumps, and dry valves for fire protection systems. I buckled down and decided this career chose me, and what I did could mean the world to someone one day. Average sprinkler fitter income in Minnesota: $42k-78k/year. Exploring the requirements, certifications, exams, and obviously, approved courses along each path.
As a helper, I was searching for the next step. Before I do that, I need to take a minute to acknowledge and pay respect to the pioneers and veterans of this industry because, without them, this trade would not be where it is today. Sprinkler fitter apprentices also are mechanically inclined, so a history of auto body mechanics and robotics classes will show well in an interview. Most sprinkler fitters will work full-time hours. Students can also prepare to start a sprinkler fitter apprenticeship while still in high school. The Apprentice will receive the appropriate percentage of the Journeyman wage rate in the state where he/she is working. The association places a significant amount of emphasis on the importance of sprinkler systems, and its website offers information about the organization's events, membership requirements, and educational resources, Fire Protection, Detection, and Suppression Systems - published in 2016 by the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), this book is a must-read for anyone interested in becoming a sprinkler fitter. Too many cut corners by not installing reliable automatic sprinkler systems. Ensured work was done safely in accordance with OSHA 30 standards, managed company safety meetings and training. All apprentices will participate in a Health and Welfare program that provides medical coverage and life insurance. Connecting piping systems to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, and control equipment. This can be a very attractive field for the right candidate. When I was accepted into the apprenticeship program, I dove in hard. Most of the time, you will be working inside, but you may also be outdoors for some of the time. Finally, all my hard work paid off, and in 2018 I was honored to be a part of the AFSA National Apprentice Competition in Washington, D.C. Here are some interesting facts to know: The career of a sprinkler fitter can provide a range of opportunities for achievement, according to the Local 417 website. The Sprinkler Fitter wage rate is negotiated state by state, based on the economic conditions of the state. It was natural that she urged me to join the apprenticeship program. Some of the most frequently performed tasks include: Install Sprinkler and Hose Systems Sprinkler and hose systems are complex, and a great deal of technical knowledge is required to install and update them correctly. This organization will provide resources you can use to educate the public and network. Visit www.firesprinkler.org/fittertraining. The flames have activated me to react, and I am racing through the pipes and down the sprinkler head to save lives. Used both power and hand tools to build, repair, & maintain existing systems. Completed AFSA apprenticeship, maintaining an A average each year. Ability to read and understand and a working set of blueprints, Manage and motivate co-workers on job sites. Copyright 2022, American Fire Sprinkler Association. Our Management are among the best trained in the world. Proficient with hand and power tools to complete task. Handled all technical questions from field technicians and installers to ensure job was completed to all NFPA requirements related to the installation and service of all types of fire suppression systems and related components. Installed all piping, valves, pumps and all other materials related to a Automatic Fire protection system, Provided proper application in the fabrication of threading, cutting and placement of fittings, gauges, valves and other related materials, Installed Automatic Sprinkler Systems in compliance to blueprints and engineering building drawings, Adhered to all safety, building codes and NFPA codes, Worked safely and cooperated with other various contractors. Lead apprentices in training, resulting in added revenue for the union. Sprinkler fitters are often called to install sprinklers and other fire-prevention plumbing fixtures after the construction of a new building. Interpret and understand NFPA fire sprinkler codes and apply those codes to particular phases of job. Dallas, TX 75251, D'Arcy Montalvo, Editor Sprinkler fitter programs require specific skills, which the apprenticeship program will teach but before youth even enter into a program, Construction Careers Foundation educates them on what they are getting into. Worked with blueprints to layout and assemble systems. Interpreted architectural/mechanical blue prints. No lie, after the last time up and down those stairs, I wasnt happy, and quitting was at the top of mind plus a vocabulary of curse words. The requirements to become a sprinkler fitter include: When you go through the steps to become a sprinkler fitter, you will learn about plumbing codes, fire prevention, and elementary engineering concepts. Install and maintain fire protection systems in accordance with, NFPA 13 & NFPA 25 standards. Theyre always there for you and willing to teach you everything they know.. Once an apprentice successfully completes the apprenticeship program and becomes a journeyperson, many opportunities lie ahead.
The apprentice will receive an appropriate percentage of the Journeyman wage. Scheduled work for employees on a daily basis, visited job sites to address all job problems, question or concerns, handled all hiring and firing of employees. Its common for sprinkler fitters to work for plumbing companies. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 1983 to 1987, damage from hotel fires was seventy-eight percent less in building with sprinkler systems than those without. Once again, I say THANK YOU to the pioneers and veterans alongside my supervisor and Fire Tech Systems team. It was the next link in the chain that I call my career. Training at a technical school is required in order to work as a Sprinkler Fitter. Installed fire sprinkler systems in excess heights of 20 feet or more using ladders, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts, Worked in a fast pace construction environment during extreme temperatures, Installation of both residential and commercial fire suppression systems. The Great Resignation Statistics: What it is, Why its Happening, Assembling pipes, tubes and other types of fittings that carry water to and from sprinklers, Testing the sprinkler system to ensure it works, Educating clients on the importance of fire prevention and the importance of checking their sprinkler system is working. Perform 24 hour emergency repair and service calls, Took stock list and replenished job supplies, Installed piping for waste, water, gas, and air, Create, maintain, inspect and modify new and current sprinkler systems, Install and design overhead sprinklers, fire mains and underground systems. They can provide the necessary requirements and what will be needed to enter an apprenticeship program. Must be physically fit to do the work of the trade. Servicing and repairing sprinkler systems. I realized that we were in the business of saving lives, giving time to a teacher to move students to safety, or time for a nursing staff to remove patients from a burning building. Installed and removed pipe and installed fire protection sprinklers. The members of Sprinkler Fitters Local 696 are committed to providing quality installation, service and repair to the piping and fixtures used in sprinkler systems. Underground supply piping, which is connected to an integrated overhead piping system for suppression of fire. Both of these resources can be very helpful for those that become a sprinkler fitter or are considering this career. Installed sprinkler systems in new construction and retrofits.