Apprenticeship Information
Sprinkler Fitters are pipefitting specialists in fire protection. They install, inspect, test, repair, and maintain all types of fire extinguishing systems. While most of this work deals directly with automatic sprinkler systems they also have the skills necessary to install and service a wide variety of other fire protection equipment such as standpipes, carbon dioxide systems, halon systems, foam systems, fire extinguishers, kitchen hoods and dry chemical systems.
If you should become a member of the Local 281 Joint Apprenticeship Program the facts of life are that you:
- Are under the jurisdiction and control of the Local 281 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and assigned to a contractor for training.
- Must complete a 5-Year apprenticeship in the related training program.
- Must perform satisfactorily both on the job and in the Related Training Program. Unsatisfactory progress in either area can result in termination of your apprenticeship.
- Must travel to the job location.
- Are required to work both inside and outdoors. The job can vary from working in a trench 8 feet below the grade level working 100 feet or higher above the floor. The majority of the work is done 10 to 50 feet off the floor.
- Will work with overhead piping normally ranging in size from 1 inch to 8 inches and with underground pipe normally between 4 inches and 16 inches in size.
- Will receive a starting wage as established by Agreement between Local 281 and the National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. Those performing satisfactorily will receive an increase based on a percentage of the Journeyman’s rate each year.
- Will become eligible for Health and Welfare benefits for yourself and your immediate family on the first day of the calendar month following your completion of 600 hours work on the trade. Your employer will also make contributions into a fund to cover the cost of your education and, upon completion of Class 1 Apprenticeship, will begin payments on your pension.
