VSC’s Registered Fire Sprinkler Apprenticeship Program
Posted on November 17, 2025 by Lauren Milliman
Our VSC Raleigh division has partnered with ServiceTrade, as well as Durham Technical Community College on a “Grow Your Own” initiative that provides grants to train trade workers. This is a hands-on program that will help train and develop service technicians in the fire and life safety industry.
The inaugural grant is going to VSC to help support the hiring and training of a new apprentice, bringing them into VSC’s Registered Fire Sprinkler Apprenticeship Program. The Apprenticeship Program includes coursework, tools, PPE, and On-the-Job (OTJ) Mentorship. The program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, with apprentices working 2,000 hours per year. It also provides 605 hours of classroom instruction, which exceeds the federal minimum of 576 hours (144 hours per year).
The Apprenticeship Program will span four years and cover the NCCER curriculum for the apprenticeship for fire sprinklers. The program is broken into work processes, with hours assigned to each process:
- Plan Reading and Interpretation
- Care of Tools, Materials, and Equipment
- Preparation of Tools, Material, and Equipment
- Pipe Cutting, Threading, Reaming, and Welding
- Installation of Underground Piping and Accessories
- Wet Pipe Systems
- Dry Pipe Systems
- Standpipe Systems
- Special Hazard Installation
- Installation of Fire Pumps and Accessories
- Maintenance and Repairs
The emphasis on testing and book learning, paired with training and OTJ mentorship, sets up apprentices for continued success and helps build a pipeline of qualified talent in the industry.
Currently the Registered Fire Sprinkler Apprenticeship Program is available in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Skilled labor remains the number one challenge for contractors. Having apprenticeship programs available helps build the talent pool for the fire sprinkler and life safety industry. VSC is proud to be a part of the journey.
