Trade Programs: Sprinkler System Installer

This trade is compulsory. To legally work in this trade in Manitoba, you must be a registered apprentice or hold a Certificate of Qualification.

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Sprinkler System Installer do?

A certified Sprinkler System Installer has the knowledge, ability and skills required to plan, layout, assemble, install, test, maintain, modify, repair and inspect sprinkler systems and components installed in buildings for fire protection purposes. These include a variety of water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler and fire protection systems developed by many different manufacturers.

Sprinkler systems are usually found in industrial, institutional and commercial buildings such as factories, hospitals, office buildings, hotels, apartment buildings and airports. They are usually installed in the mid to latter stages of new construction or when renovations of existing structures are required or legislated. The people who occupy these buildings depend on the skills of Sprinkler System Installers who must ensure that the fire protection equipment is properly installed and in good working order at all times.

Installers frequently work on the same site more than once and routinely perform a variety of tasks encompassing all aspects of installation, service and maintenance. They assemble, install, test, repair and maintain high pressure and low pressure pipeline systems that carry water, foam, gases, air or any other substance or material required for fire protection. They also work with wet or dry standpipes, inside first aid and hose/pipe systems, private fire hydrant systems, fire pumps and all related equipment. A Sprinkler System Installer is also expected to:

• calculate and prepare written cost estimates and communicate with customers
• read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine layout
• use and maintain equipment such as hand and portable power tools and hoisting, lifting and access equipment
• install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping systems and sprinkler and fire protection equipment
• select, measure, cut, ream, then groove or thread pipe
• braze, solder or cement pipe joins together then mount prepared pipe into supports
• install and connect piping systems to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment
• select and install sprinkler heads, devices
• install fire department pumper connections, pressure tanks, gravity tanks and necessary fittings and accessories
• install fire hydrants, hydrant houses, hose cabinets, portable fire extinguishers and associated equipment
• test systems for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment

What skills/abilities are required?

If you like variety, are mechanically inclined and are able to pay close attention to detail, consider becoming a Sprinkler System Installer. The job dictates that you plan and accomplish a task from start to finish. You should be prepared to work to exacting standards, since public safety can depend on sprinkler and fire protection systems. Good communication skills as well as enjoying hands-on work are assets. Visualizing how things come together is an important part of reading blueprints or diagrams. The performance of ongoing maintenance also demands excellent analytical ability. Computer literacy is becoming essential in this trade as sprinklers are becoming electronically controlled. Installers require good physical coordination as they often work on scaffolds or ladders. They work closely with other tradespeople including plumbers, steamfitters, carpenters, ironworkers, cement finishers, electricians and insulators.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years of three levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1700 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training. The third year of training is devoted entirely to acquiring on-the-job experience.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

The following courses enhance and reinforce what you learn on the job:

• Mathematics, Science and Communications
• Types of System Alarms and Devices
• Material and Hangers
• Safety Tools, Rigging and Scaffolding
• Steel, Cast Iron, Brass, Copper, CPVC Pipes
• Oxyacetylene and Arc-Welding
• Drafting and Blueprints
• Wet and Dry Pipe Systems, Valves, Fittings
• Pre-action and Deluge Systems
• Hand and Power Tools
• Standpipes, Hose Systems and Hydrants
• Portable Extinguishers
• Fire Pumps, Gravity, Tanks and Reservoirs
• Special Hazard and Supportex Systems and Hydraulically Calculated Systems

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required including a recommended course in Math and Physics. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

The Manitoba Sprinkler System Installer Regulation states that an apprentice, when not attending school, is entitled to receive at least the following percentage rates of pay based on what a certified journeyperson earns in Manitoba:

• 60% of a journeyperson's rate of pay the during level one
• 70% during level two
• 80% per cent during level three
• 90% during level four

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

Increasingly strict building code requirements have created job opportunities in this trade. Most work is indoors and is full-time, with opportunities for overtime to meet construction deadlines. Employers include mechanical construction firms, plumbing contractors, heating and air conditioning companies and building developers.

With experience, installers may advance to managerial or inspection positions. With additional training they may transfer their skills to related trades such as Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Plumber, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic or Industrial Welder.

Generally:
The equipment Sprinkler System Installers use and install is becoming more technically complex. Increased use of synthetics and equipment needed for proper installation, diagnosis and repair continues to change. Keeping up to date with these changes presents a challenge to people who work in this trade.

Due to more stringent laws and regulations, sprinkler systems must be regularly inspected and maintained. Errors in judgement or in the practical application of trade knowledge can be costly, both in terms of injury to workers and damage to equipment or materials. The concern for safety places more responsibility on individuals who now work in smaller crews.