04/29/2026
📣 Tonight | National Apprenticeship Week Webinar
Leveling Up: Apprentices Reveal How They’re Building Their Careers
🕕 6:00 – 6:30 PM | Zoom
Hear directly from apprentices—including those working in fire protection—about training, growth, and career opportunities in registered apprenticeship programs.
Tonight you'll get to meet wonderful apprentices, including:
Graduated Apprentice & Superintendent- Jamie S.
1st Year Apprentice- Mike L.
đź”— Zoom link in the description.
https://seminolestate.zoom.us/j/85424182785
Here are some of the Highlights From 3rd Year Student Ahiezer Cruz:
What inspired you to pursue a career in the fire protection and sprinkler industry?
"What inspired me to pursue a career in the fire protection and sprinkler industry is the unique opportunity to combine hands-on construction work with a meaningful impact on life safety. This field allows me to contribute directly to protecting people and property, knowing that the systems we install and maintain play a critical role in saving lives and minimizing damage. Being part of an industry that prioritizes safety while requiring technical skill and precision is what motivates me every day."
Which hands-on skills or tasks have you enjoyed the most? Why?
"The hands-on tasks I enjoy the most are building risers and working with different types of fire protection systems for various hazards. I take pride in assembling risers because they represent the quality and organization of the entire system. Even after the piping is concealed, a well-built riser reflects craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the installation. To me, the riser serves as a clear indicator of the integrity and professionalism of the work throughout the building."
What advice would you give to a student considering the fire sprinkler trade?
"My advice to a student considering the fire sprinkler trade is to get excited about the impact you can make. This isn’t just another trade—it’s one where your work directly protects lives. While other trades focus on how a building looks, we are responsible for how it performs in a real emergency, and that’s something to be proud of. Every job is different, whether you’re working at heights, installing complex systems, or being part of the final stages that allow a building to open to the public. There is a lot of variety, responsibility, and opportunity to grow. If you enjoy hands-on work, learning new skills, and being part of something that truly matters, this trade can be both exciting and very rewarding."