SPRINKLER FITTER CAREERS

Become a Union Sprinkler Fitter

Union sprinkler fitters perform life saving work

Sprinkler fitters perform complex work, which is vital to ensuring structures are equipped with a water or chemical system to suppress a fire. In addition to installing new systems, sprinkler fitters repair, maintain and test older systems to ensure that the people in these buildings stay safe.

In many older structures, fire suppression systems were not required. Today though, as fire and building codes become more stringent, most regions require buildings, both new and old, to have a properly installed, maintained and functional fire suppression system in place. As fire safety continues to become a building requirement across the country, there is an ever-growing need for more sprinkler fitters. Whether installing fire suppression systems on new construction or retrofitting older structures, sprinkler fitting is a booming business that needs more highly trained workers.

In addition to installing, maintaining and repairing fire suppression systems, sprinkler fitters are also in charge of performing National Fire Protection Association inspections of these systems to ensure they have been installed properly and continue to function appropriately.

United Association Sprinkler Fitters Training

Today’s building safety standards are different compared to what they were decades ago. Now, fire suppression systems are required in almost every structure in order to protect life and property in the event of a fire emergency. Tasked with installing and repairing fire suppression systems, sprinkler fitters are vital to the safety of structures and their occupants.

The SWPTA tradesmen and tradeswomen who work as sprinkler fitters are required to complete the five-year United Association (UA) registered apprenticeship program.

As apprentices, aspiring sprinkler fitters have the opportunity to earn while they learn. These apprentices work full-time on real jobsites, earning a quality wage alongside the experienced journeymen from whom they are learning. In addition to on-the-job education, apprentices receive classroom instruction from accredited instructors.

While apprentices, sprinkler fitters earn the necessary certifications to install certain systems, work in specific settings and more. After completing their apprenticeship program and becoming journeymen, sprinkler fitters are strongly encouraged to further their education by regularly taking upgrade classes to maintain or expand their certifications and ensure they are up-to-date with the industry’s latest technological advancements.