On February 5, 2020 Rob Geislinger, Regional Field Service Coordinator for the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), was pleased to exhibit at Douglas County School District’s recent Career Showcase held at Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colorado. This event was the second of three Career Showcases offered this school year by the District.

Approximately fifty vendors participated in the event which was focused on those students who will probably not seek a college education after graduation. Vendors represented those industries which typically do not require a college as a prerequisite including several military branches; plumbing, mechanical, and electrical contractors; law enforcement and fire service agencies; as well as many others. In addition to NFSA’s booth, member contractor Western States Fire Protection was also present, providing attendees several chances to learn about careers in the fire sprinkler industry.

The Showcase was attended by over 2,000 students from several different District high schools. Also present were a significant number of teachers and career counselors from other schools interested in providing appropriate direction to their students. The District has recognized for several years that many of their students—whether because of academic abilities, financial limitations, or personal desires—are not ideal candidates for college. The District began holding these showcases in 2018 to show students the existence of numerous rewarding careers not requiring a degree.

The NFSA booth focused primarily on careers as sprinkler fitters and layout technicians. Sprinkler contractors around the State are almost unanimous in recognizing a severe shortage in these fields. Several students also expressed interest in fire inspections and code enforcement, which Geislinger, as a former fire marshal, was happy to discuss. Several hundred students stopped by the NFSA booth, where Geislinger provided a short presentation on sprinkler system operation and opportunities in the industry. Most of them were enthralled by a short video showing an actual sprinkler activation during a fire in a commercial/residential building that saved the business and allowed all of the residents to stay in their homes. Over fifty students expressed interest in the field, taking the provided brochures. A handful returned later for additional information.

The next Douglas County Career Showcase will be held on May 12, 2020 at Chaparral High School in Parker, CO. If you would like information on this event, or would like to hold a similar event in your area, please reach out to Rob Geislinger at geislinger@nfsa.org.