Residential Sprinkler Fitter Technology

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Science Program Map
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This apprenticeship program map for the 2024-2025 catalog year provides an overview of the required courses.You must be accepted into the apprenticeship by the Program Sponsor.

Apprenticeship Programs at Chabot College are an excellent way to earn a certificate and/or an associate degree while also gaining real-world, paid work experience in the occupation. The requirements and expectations vary depending on the apprenticeship program. Classes also vary by program, with some offered in person, online or off-campus.

I'm ready to get started.What do I do next?

  1. Apply to be an apprentice for the program you are interested in www.chabotcollege.edu / academics / apprenticeship
  2. Meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and plan general education courses (for associate degree programs only) www.chabotcollege.edu / counseling
Program Description

Students must first be accepted into the Residential Sprinkler Fitters Apprenticeship Program before enrolling in APSF 9711 through 9715. The Apprenticeship program is a two and a half (2-1/2) year earn-and-learn program. Apprentices must work a total of 4000 hours in two and a half (2-1/2) years to reach journey level status.

Apprentices are required to attend related instruction classes a minimum of 144 hours per year at the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (J.A.C.) Training. The responsibilities and work of the Residential Sprinkler Fitter consists of the knowledge and ability to install all types of fire protection systems. A Residential Sprinkler Fitter is able to read blueprints and layout and install hangers and overhead piping in all types of residential buildings and all types of construction.

For more information on  Apprenticeship Programs, including Residential Sprinkler Fitter Technology, visit www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs.


What can I do with this major?

All Apprentices start off with an hourly wage and fringe benefit package and the wages increase based on advancement within the program. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program and passing the CA state licensing exam, the graduate may be employed at the journey level by contractors, or may pursue an entrepreneurial path.

Upon completion of the program, the median hourly rate is $34.92 (2021 rate, East Bay). LMI projections for East Bay region project 751 openings per year for sprinkler fitter occupations.


Learning and Career Pathway

    Icon Key

    = Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

    APSF 9795 is a work experience course that may be taken each term for the apprentice to receive credit for working.

    Semester 1

    4-5 units

    APSF 9711
    Residential Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship I

    3 units
    This course is the first half of Year One of a 2.5-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics include: related safety and health practices; Rigid 300 training; care and use of hand tools, ladders, and scaffolds; reading sprinkler drawings (part one); operation of the sprinkler heads; reading a ruler; calculating pipe dimensions. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
    Course Details:

    APSF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship

    1-2 units
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Student must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Each Unit of Credit requires 75 hours of paid work experience. Students can earn 1 to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 units of Cooperative Work Experience, which includes General Work Experience and Occupational Work Experience/Internship.
    Course Details:

    Semester 2

    4-5 units

    APSF 9712
    Residential Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship II

    3 units
    This course is the second half of Year One of a 2.5-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics include: related safety and health practices; industry gases; shoring and man lifts; reading sprinkler drawings (part two); types of pipes, fittings, valves, and hangers used in the piping industry; first aid/CPR certification; history, installation and hazard ratings of automatic sprinkler systems; victaulic, grooved and plain end piping method; certification of CPVC installation. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
    Course Details:

    APSF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship

    1-2 units
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Student must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Each Unit of Credit requires 75 hours of paid work experience. Students can earn 1 to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 units of Cooperative Work Experience, which includes General Work Experience and Occupational Work Experience/Internship.
    Course Details:

    Semester 3

    4-5 units

    APSF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship

    1-2 units
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Student must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Each Unit of Credit requires 75 hours of paid work experience. Students can earn 1 to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 units of Cooperative Work Experience, which includes General Work Experience and Occupational Work Experience/Internship.
    Course Details:

    APSF 9713
    Residential Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship III

    3 units
    First half of year two of a 2.5-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: basic mathematics; operation of the sprinkler head; knot tying and rigging; oxygen-acetylene safety (part one); heritage and future in the pipe trade. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
    Course Details:

    Semester 4

    4-5 units

    APSF 9714
    Residential Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship IV

    3 units
    Second half of year two of a 2.5-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: review OSHA safety standards; copper pipe installation (soldering and brazing); installation of wet pipe system; using the NFPA 13 Standard; wet pipe alarm valves; maintenance and inspection of automatic fire protection systems, telehandler certification. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
    Course Details:

    APSF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship

    1-2 units
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Student must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Each Unit of Credit requires 75 hours of paid work experience. Students can earn 1 to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 units of Cooperative Work Experience, which includes General Work Experience and Occupational Work Experience/Internship.
    Course Details:

    Semester 5

    4-5 units

    APSF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship

    1-2 units
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Student must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Each Unit of Credit requires 75 hours of paid work experience. Students can earn 1 to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 units of Cooperative Work Experience, which includes General Work Experience and Occupational Work Experience/Internship.
    Course Details:

    APSF 9715
    Residential Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship V

    3 units
    Final half year of a 2.5-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview; dry valves, accelerators and exhausters; hydraulics, the physical properties of fluids; oxygen-acetylene safety (part two); Studying for state Residential Sprinkler Fitter Certification test; fundamentals of gas welding and flame cutting. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
    Course Details:

    General Education Requirements

    23 units

    Students may earn an AA or AS degree at Chabot with completion of any one of the following general education patterns:

    • Local AS pattern
    • CSU General Education Breadth pattern
    • IGETC General Education pattern

    See the general education course lists: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling/transfer/ge-requirement-transfer-archive.php. 

    It is recommended that all students meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and create an individualized student education plan. See the Counseling Department webpage for information on how to speak with a counselor: www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling.

    Other (specify)

    17 units

    Elective units may be needed to reach the 60 units required for an Associate's Degree. Please see a counselor for assistance in selecting elective units. 

    Total Units: 60-65 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.