Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
A Mix of In-Person and Virtual Learning Planned for 2022
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is set to train fire sprinkler system designers in 2022 with its popular Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School—and there’s big news! A new class format that features a blend of in-person and virtual learning will be offered this year, saving employers time and money while expanding their services with sprinkler system design.
New for 2022—Blended Learning
AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School has long been popular with the fire sprinkler industry, often selling out far in advance. With its in-person training program, students spend two weeks learning all aspects of fire sprinkler design in a classroom with instructors. Students and employers who prefer this format have one last chance to attend this school in-person for a full two weeks: March 28–April 8, 2022, at AFSA’s Training Center in Dallas. After that school, AFSA will unveil its new blended learning format.
Each blended school will be held over a four-week period and feature a mix of virtual and in-person training. The plan includes two live webinars per week in the three weeks leading up to in-person training. The webinars will be two-and-a-half hours in length and held midday on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Exercises will be assigned through Canvas. The fourth week of learning will be held in person and taught by AFSA’s expert technical staff, focusing on hydraulics and layout. This new format will be offered three times in 2022:
• May 26 – July 1 in Orlando, Florida;
• August 18 – September 16 in Dallas; and
• October 20 – November 11 in San Diego, California.
“This new blended school allows AFSA to cover the essential elements of system layout while offering convenience and cost-savings for employers,” comments AFSA’s Senior Director of Meeting & Education Services Marlene Garrett, CMP. “Designers are only away from their offices for one week with the new plan, saving on travel costs and time away from work.”
AFSA’s school covers what designers need to know about sprinkler system layout in accordance with the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. This class is designed for trainees and entry-level technicians with at least six months’ experience, as well as those with experience in the sprinkler trade looking to make the transition to design.
The school presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Students receive two full weeks of instruction—60 percent is the study and review of NFPA 13 (2019 edition), and 40 percent is the preparation of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings, and how to do hydraulic calculations by hand. There is no CAD or third-party software taught in this class.
For more information, contact AFSA’s Meetings & Events Coordinator Liz Rosemiller at liz@firesprinkler.org org (214) 349-5965 ext. 117 or visit www.firesprinkler.org/schools. Early registration is encouraged!
