WASHINGTON – The American Fire Sprinkler Association will host its 15th annual National Apprentice Competition here on Oct. 17, 2008. Seven fire sprinkler fitter apprentices will compete in a one-day head-to-head skills contest held during AFSA’s 27th annual Convention and Exhibition Oct. 15-19, 2008 at the Marriott Wardman Park.
Newly increased cash prizes will be awarded: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, $2,000 for third place and $1,000 for fourth-seventh place. In addition, the first-place winner will receive an expense-paid trip to Honolulu to compete at the Associated Builders & Contractors Craft Championship, Feb. 25-March 1, 2009.
The national competition consists of two parts: a three-hour written examination and a practical examination in which the apprentice must cut, thread and install a steel and plastic piping system with sprinklers and perform a pressure test. Participants will be assessed on their accuracy, craftsmanship and safety.
Apprentices interested in participating must apply with AFSA by April 4, 2008. To enter the competition, the apprentice’s employer must be a member in good standing with AFSA; the apprentice must be actively participating in the AFSA Apprenticeship Courses or be currently enrolled in the Contren Learning Series Course for Sprinkler Fitters; the apprentice cannot have worked in the sprinkler trade, hanging pipe, for more than five years; and the apprentice must live within the continental United States to have expenses paid to the competition. Also, an apprentice who has won first, second or third place at AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition and/or ABC’s Craft Championship is not eligible to compete. Employers may enter as many apprentices as are eligible from their company. To compete in AFSA’s national competition, contestants first must take a written examination on June 28, 2008. The top seven contestants will advance to the national competition. Each of the seven finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to compete in the national finals, and the employer of each of the seven finalists will receive one complimentary registration to attend AFSA’s convention and exhibition.
Additional information is available at www.firesprinkler.org or 214/349-5965 ext. 132.