With the Employer Led Path (ELP), the employer is responsible to provide the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for the apprentices. With the VIP course AFSA provides the RTI. Here is a table with comparison points.
Absolutely. The VIP curriculum is aligned with the 4th edition Sprinkler Fitting textbooks produced by AFSA/NCCER. The outline of subjects and hours can be found here.
No. AFSA encourages education for all those involved with the fire sprinkler industry. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge related to fire sprinkler system components and their installation, this course is for you.
The tuition fee is per student and covers the 10 months of virtual instruction.
No. In addition to tuition there is an enrollment fee for each student that includes the course level book(s) for the student, the account set-up for the learning management system, and online testing.
Late registration closes 4 weeks after the course’s start date. Any live lesson that is missed by your employee will count as an absence, and the recording of the lesson along with a confirmation email will be assigned for completion.
There are 20 live lessons throughout each level of VIP, with typically 2 live lessons being presented each month. A complete schedule of the class dates is provided upon registration.
Any device that has access to WiFi and Zoom will allow the apprentice to fully participate in VIP. To fully utilize the features of the Learning Management System (LMS) – Canvas, the video communications program – Zoom, and the online proctoring software – Integrity Advocate, students may prefer a larger screen to enhance their overall experience.
AFSA has deployed Integrity Advocate to virtually proctor the students while taking each exam. Your employee will need a device that is compatible (with a camera) and has a stable internet connection to successfully complete an exam. Before taking any exam, it is strongly recommended to test the device using the “START UP YOUR DEMO” section of the “Integrity Advocate” site.
There are five (5) retakes included with the purchase of each VIP level. If a student receives a score under 70%, a Retake Request form will need to be submitted to initiate a new attempt. In the event a student uses all (5) exam reattempts while testing in this course level, additional attempts will be permitted but are charged a fee of $20 per attempt.
At this time, employers do not have access to Canvas. Grade reports are sent periodically and attendance is monitored. If there are further questions, please reach out to AFSA at apprenticeship@firesprinkler.org.
If your apprentice needs to access Canvas after the 10-month allotted time frame, their access can be extended one month at a time up to 2 months. A fee of $200 each additional month will apply, while they complete the level.
Yes, if your apprentice’s course is still ongoing and their maximum absences have not been exceeded, your apprentice can be added to the ongoing VIP course but there will be a fee for the continued education. Please contact AFSA for further details.
If your apprentice’s VIP course has concluded, your apprentice can be added to an upcoming VIP course. Depending on the apprentice’s progress, they may receive credit for previously completed activities or they may have to begin the class again.
Yes. Please view the VIP Transfer/Replacement Policy from the VIP Instruction Guide.
In the event a Student does not successfully complete the current level of the apprenticeship program, the Employer is provided options:
1. When less than 25 % of lessons have been delivered, a Student can be added to the existing class (and will have to catch up through recorded sessions) or be added to the next available class for a fee of $600.
2. When 25 % to less than 50 % of lessons have been delivered, a Student can be added to the next available class for a fee of $1100.
*If replacement books are also needed for the level, a fee of $150 plus S&H will be assessed in addition to the option fee above.
One Student replacement or transfer is permitted per enrollment/registration. Replacements and transfers are not permitted once 50 % of the lessons for that level have been completed.
A fee of $1,000 will be due for transfers from a sold-out Program prior to its launch.
Yes, apprentices can transfer from ELP to VIP. If an apprentice has made progress in the ELP course, they may receive credit for previously completed activities or they may have to begin the class again.
Depending on when ELP was purchased and when the transfer is being requested, a credit may be applied to the cost of VIP. Please contact AFSA for more details.
In your “Welcome!” onboarding email and the reminder emails sent afterwards. (the links can also be sent by assigned coordinator or VIP team)
● Employer Agreement
● Apprentice Agreement
10am or 4pm CST
Canvas Support Phone Number: (877) 404-4914
Canvas Support Live Chat
Instructions for locating the live lesson Zoom links are at the 10:50 timestamp in the Canvas Navigation Video. You can also locate them by logging into Canvas and in the VIP course, click on Modules (on the left-hand menu), then on Lesson XX assignment. Once you scroll down, you will find the Zoom link for our first VIP lesson. Choose one of two lesson times: 10:00am Central or 4:00pm Central.
Yes, when 10 or more students are registered in a single course, you will receive 5% off of tuition.
For those who have 50 or more students looking to be enrolled within a calendar year, there is a volume discount program. Please contact AFSA for more details.