Just another day in the life of a sprinkler fitter. I wasnt too sure about it at first. It was the next link in the chain that I call my career. The Construction Careers Foundation believes that there is a construction trade career for everyone and we want to provide opportunity, knowledge and access to students across Minnesota to encourage them to take the first big step toward their career after high school, said Sarah Lechowich, senior director for the Construction Careers Foundation. They can work for plumbing companies or be independent contractors. We stood proudly side by side to show this world that there are up and comers or NextGens who have what it takes to become the next veterans of an industry we call home. In addition to a rigorous apprenticeship program, many UA Sprinkler Fitters choose to expand their skills by voluntarily participating in advanced training programs. Worked with blueprints to layout and assemble systems. You can even advance to a supervisor position and earn an even higher salary. Install overhead sprinkler systems in restaurants and warehouses. For individual, real-life job profiles of actual people with this type of job, check out our job profiles page. The Sprinkler Fitter wage rate is negotiated state by state, based on the economic conditions of the state. If you want to become a sprinkler fitter apprentice, you will need to have good physical strength and endurance.
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. Its common to work in both new and older buildings, depending on the job. Involved in the layout, rough-in, and installation of sprinkler pipe. Yes. This organization will provide resources you can use to educate the public and network. Both of these resources can be very helpful for those that become a sprinkler fitter or are considering this career. You will start as an apprentice and work your way up to a journeyman position. Some programs will last longer than others. 
Tags AFSA apprenticeship training AFSA fitter training AFSA NextGen Fire Tech Systems J.D. Conducted safety meetings as required by OSHA guidelines and company safety policies as required by all construction job foreman. Hilliard, ITM, Hydraulic Calculations, Design, and Apprenticeship Programs Offered In-Person and Virtually The American Fire Sprinkler , 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350 The tasks carried out by sprinkler fitters vary from employer to employer, but there are certain duties that virtually all sprinkler fitters are expected to complete. So how did I get here? This can be a very attractive field for the right candidate. Its common for sprinkler fitters to work for plumbing companies. What Career Fields Are People Leaving During the Great Resignation? After the first year, apprentices typically receive a raise every 6 months upon meeting the minimum requirements of their apprenticeship program. However, its more common for a local union to offer apprenticeships. The construction phase, including site inspections and checking materials, measurements and workmanship. The smile on my face and the puffing of my chest tells me that every timeI love my job! My work is challenging but I always feel accomplished knowing I am making a difference.. 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. Exploring the requirements, certifications, exams, and obviously, approved courses along each path. All Rights Reserved. Theres nothing more rewarding than leaving a job site and knowing that you are protecting people, said Ringwelski. Local 696 Benefits Office was created to manage the benefits for our members and their families. You will then need to complete an apprenticeship program, during which you will learn all the skills you need from experienced sprinkle fitters and through instruction. Experience working on Retro Fits, Tenant Improvements, Residential, New Construction, Government Contracted, Industrial and Commercial Jobs. Its also good to be very organized and have basic engineering knowledge. Iwas given the task of writing an article on a day in the life of a sprinkler fitter. After several years of experience, sprinkler fitters may advance to become supervisor, project manager or they may choose to start their own business as an independent contractor. Attend weekly classes for skill acquisition. The Apprentice will receive the appropriate percentage of the Journeyman wage rate in the state where he/she is working. Repair Defective Sprinkler Systems As time progresses, sprinkler systems are subject to age and wear and tear. along with main shutoff valves, hydrants, post indicator valves and road boxes, Read blueprints to determine construction requirements, Perform monthly and annual inspections on sprinkler systems, fire alarms and fire pumps, keep accurate records of each inspection, Coordinate work with other construction trades on jobs, Estimate and order material to complete jobs, Provided Apprentices with on the job training, Cut and groove pipes using a M300 threading machine. Sprinkler fitters can expect to earn in a similar range to this. Find out what is the best resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Format Guide. 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. have a variation, and its my job to know, so the system works correctly. Sprinkler fitters are often tasked with repairing and replacing defective and outdated sprinkler systems. As you work towards becoming a sprinkler fitter, you will want to work on specific skills. The installation of sprinkler fire protection systems is a critical step in the construction of any building.
Most sprinkler fitters will work indoors and outdoors as a part of a team. You will need to complete a training program from a source like the American Fire Sprinkler Association to join a unique. Interpret and understand NFPA fire sprinkler codes and apply those codes to particular phases of job. Satisfactory progress means advancement to the next classification and a wage increase until the Apprentice completes the five-year program. The fire sprinkler industry has come a long way, and I know that everyone has heard stories from the past, including me. They often install Fire Protection Systems, which include underground and overhead piping, that automatically turn on in the event of a fire. 134, Bob Caputo, Publisher Experience in Pre-action systems, freezers, and deluge systems. Copyright 2017 UA Local 669 | All Rights Reserved | Developed by UnionLaborWorks, Continuing Education & Training for Sprinkler Fitters. Thank you. Blue print reading and modifications to systems to ensure systems are installed in accordance with all NFPA guidelines pertaining to fire protection systems.
Sprinkler fitters will largely find themselves in commercial buildings and work with valves, hangers and steel or plastic pipes. 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. Hilliard is now a foreman with Fire Tech Systems. Covering different 'paths' that people's lives can take. the education and training of its members. It is a part of our culture. A sprinkler fitter is responsible for installing, modifying and inspecting sprinkler systems. And control equipment, Testing systems for leaks using water or air, Reading and interpreting contract drawings, specifications, and fire codes, Servicing and repairing sprinkler systems, Experience working under challenging conditions, Experience working with a variety of hand and power tools. All drawings, buildings, ceiling, walls, stairs, etc. Cutting, threading and making up of black iron sprinkler pipe from 1in to 6 inch. Local Union 669 will furnish our contractors with journeymen and apprentices that have the aptitude, knowledge and skill to install a quality fire protection system. 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. It is the job of the sprinkler fitter to solder and weld custom pipes and fittings designed to work for specific sprinkler systems. However, the pipes and fittings used on one system will not necessarily work on another. Light experience in underground Installation/service.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters was $55,160 in May 2019. You can work as a foreman, move up to superintendent or even move into management with a company. Yes, you can advance as a sprinkler fitter. The Sprinkler Fitter wage rate is negotiated state by state, based on the economic conditions of the state. They can provide the necessary requirements and what will be needed to enter an apprenticeship program. The first day was intimidating. The excitement for me comes when I start putting all the pieces of the system together and realize, Wow, what I am doing saves lives! It will make your hands sweat and head swim. some work as independent contractors, as well. All rights reserved. He had me running stairs for tools or materials that he miraculously didnt need when I returned. Installed and removed pipe and installed fire protection sprinklers. Direct teams of over fifteen associates in completing and servicing multiple projects. These hours will likely be rather common business hours. The average pay for a sprinkler fitter apprentice is around $20.45 per hour. 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. Through her apprenticeship, she is trained by certified instructors who are experts in sprinkler fitting. 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. Perform maintenance on various types of fixed piping fire suppression systems. If you become a sprinkler fitter, you will likely want to join the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). The United Associations Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) is currently accepting applications for our apprenticeship program throughout the United States. He ran me through the wringer, and my days were filled with Get this and Get that. I remember one day at a high-rise, and, for some odd reason, only I wasnt allowed to use the elevators. Worked directly with architects/engineers to ensure all specifications were met, Repaired/updated existing fire systems to all city codes, Install sprinkler pipe in new commercial and residential buildings, Use heavy machinery, scissor lifts, Lulls, boom lifts, and forklifts, Know how to operate a Power Machine to make new sprinkler pipe. Must be physically fit to do the work of the trade. You will be an apprentice for around 6,600 hours of work. Scheduled inspection routes for service vehicles and acted as dispatcher to direct employees to emergency calls and handled communication with venders. Both the Health and Welfare and Pension programs are among the finest in the construction industry. Provide input to estimators and designers on man power needs and problem locations on construction sites. Coordinate of work with other trades on each job site. 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. Training at a technical school is required in order to work as a Sprinkler Fitter. If you think this meant him taking it easy on me, you couldnt be more wrong. Featured Articles, Industry, People
Discard and clean up unnecessary or damaged materials on site. Apprentices earn a wage while they learn. Sprinkler fitters work in existing and newly constructed buildings; in conditions ranging from hot boiler rooms to unheated open buildings at winter temperatures. Creative, foster parent, ticket dismissal, you get the idea. Assist Journeymen Sprinkler fitters with installation and maintaining of commercial fire sprinkler systems. Supervised up to 10 coworkers in the service and installation of Sprinkler systems. Both the Health & Welfare and Pension programs are among the finest in the construction industry. I rose in the ranks from gopher to apprentice. Others will work a pretty strict 40-hour week. Zippa.com puts the average salary at $55,813 for sprinkler fitters. Communication with vendors and problem solution resolution. However, you may need to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. He knew the codes and standards like he was a fire sprinkler encyclopedia. Servicing and repairing sprinkler systems. Too many cut corners by not installing reliable automatic sprinkler systems. 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. Helped foreman with coordinating field fabrication of sprinkler pipe. We strive to stay abreast of the continual evolution of fire sprinkler systems. Sprinkler Fitters and Apprentices Local 696 is dedicated to Also published by IFSTA, the book covers topics related to the investigative process and fire pattern analysis. Students with OSHA 10 or CPR credits or proof of a passed/completed related course are encouraged to bring in proof to be evaluated for credit during the sprinkler fitter interview process.