The National Fire Sprinkler Association attended the Future Builders of America Leadership Summit on April 21-24, 2022. This event was hosted by the Home Builders Institute in Haines City, FL at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center. Thank you to the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association who was a Premier Diamond Sponsor allowing us to participate in the summit.

Instructing students on how to install sprinklers with CPVC piping.

The goal of the Leadership Summit was to promote the construction industry as a great career opportunity to future employees. Twelve different construction trades participated in the summit and presented to 94 students on job opportunities available. Each class involved a hands-on portion, ensuring the students had a better understanding of each construction trade.

With the help of Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinkler, we were able to present a side-by-side burn demonstration to the entire camp. This demonstration was the first introduction to fire sprinklers and how fast fire really is. During each class we touched on what the fire sprinkler industry does and the job opportunities available. Each student and team leader were able to watch the HFSC Virtual Reality home fire and sprinkler burn videos. Once we were finished in the classroom, we had hands-on learning using the live fire sprinkler demonstration/ training unit. While in the training unit students were taught the different sprinkler systems, how they work, and see up close how fire sprinklers operate.

Vince Powers instructs a student on how to install a sprinkler head in NFSA’s valve trailer.

Throughout the week, students heard from guest speakers, took part in skills challenges, and participated in different team presentations. Each of these opportunities gave students a chance to improve their leadership and teamwork skills.

At the end of the week, NFSA left the summit excited for each student and eager to return in 2023! We are eager to see these future builders “Learning Today… Building Tomorrow.” A special thank you the local NFSA contractor members that helped present on the fire sprinkler industry: Dave Haney and Sanjay Oudi, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinkler and Glenn Painter, Milton J. Wood Fire Protection.

If you are interested in learning more about the Future Builders of America, I encourage you to visit their website.