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Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the success of last Fall’s upgrade courses. We were happy to be able to conduct most of the courses we offered in Ottawa, Kingston, and Toronto. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the members that attended,and the commitment of our instructors. Additionally, as a variety of upgrade courses were made available to apprentices, it was great to see many turn out to participate in learning with both new and veteran journeypersons. It was a reminder of the importance of mentoring in our trade and the value that exists in sharing knowledge, gained by years of experience, with those just starting out. While it was motivating to see this exchange happen in the classroom, it is equally encouraging to know that this is happening in the field as we all work together to teach and inspire the next generation of sprinkler fitters. This spring we are hoping to continue the success of our upgrade training by offering more of the most popular and in demand courses. We are also very excited to be taking the Fire Pump - Inspection and Testing course on the road! Until now this training has been limited to Toronto, but by utilizing the mobile equipment provided by the National Sprinkler JTAC we are able to deliver this course remotely, which will create many more training opportunities throughout the province in the future. Whether you are attending your first course or your tenth, there is always something to be gained by participating upgrade training. We are looking forward to our Spring upgrade courses and we hope to see you there! In the meantime, please visit the National JTAC LMS for additional courses and resources. With an ever-expanding catalogue, these self-paced online courses offer a convenient way to stay up to date with changes, manufacturers products, new technologies, and best practices within our industry.
Thank you for your continued support of training at UA Local 853!
How many years have you been working in the Sprinkler and Fire Protection trade? My initiation date was on April 23, 1975 - I’ve been in the trade for 48 years.
Outside of Sprinkler Fitting, what do you enjoy? To share some things about my personal life; I am blessed with my awesome wife of 49 years, my son and two daughters. The Sprinkler & Fire Protection trade has given me the chance to travel and work all over Canada. Outside of work, I enjoy fly fishing, outdoor camping, quality time with my family & grandchildren, and travelling.
I’m filled with gratitude and humility for my fellow brothers who inspired me. The most important motive to work at local 853 is pleasure in working as a team.
Sincerely, your friendly sprinkler Fitter
How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching since January 1998, approximately 25 years. My experience as an instructor includes Journeyperson upgrade courses, Training the Trainer, Working at Heights and WHMIS. I have served three different terms as a member on the Provincial Advisory Committee for the Skilled Occupation of Sprinkler Installer; participated proficiently on sub-committees dealing with items such as training standards, curriculum developments, Red Seal exam developments, and exam interpretation for the province of Quebec.
What is your favourite part of the Sprinkler & Fire Protection trade? My favourite part of sprinkler fitting is working within all aspects of the trade including installation, service, inspection, and maintenance across Canada. I enjoy working alongside a new generation of Apprentices & Fitters and having the chance to work with advanced technologies.
What is your favourite part of teaching? My favourite part of teaching is sharing new information, gaining knowledge and perspective of various aspects of the trade from different participants. I have been fortunate to share my knowledge and learn from Journeypersons and Apprentices, which makes my job interesting and rewarding. I would like to mention and thank some of my fellow Journeypersons, Apprentices & Instructors who have been mentors and amazing support during my career: Greg Mitchell, John Borlase, Ed Giggie, Steve Steele, Ray DesRoches, Reuben Morris, Scott Simpson, Gary Stevenson, Ted Ryan, Nick Smirnov, Nick Devine & Ben Prince.
Why did you choose the Sprinkler & Fire Protection trade? The reason I choose this trade is for the satisfaction to work with an amazing supportive team; I am proud to be a member of such a progressive industry. My brother John Gravelle motivated and inspired me to do this trade, and I have enjoyed every day; I feel privileged to be a Sprinkler Fitter. As a Journeyperson, there are many opportunities to work within North America and Australia, doing various positions in the fire protection industry.
Front Row: Richard Gravelle sitting second from the right
What advice would you give someone interested in joining and an existing Apprentice? My advice to an individual who is interested in the trade is to seriously consider joining, as the level of training is high quality, the instructors are top-notch, and you will work with a dedicated & productive workforce. For the Apprentices who are currently in the trade, my advice is to complete your training, get your Red Seal, and enjoy unlimited opportunities to learn and grow in the industry.
Ottawa Sprinkler Install - Summer 1989
Top Row (L to R): F. Bellemare, Richard Gravelle,
Fire Pump - Sprinkler Upgrade Course Kingston, ON November 22-23, 2022
Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Course (ITM) Ottawa, ON - June 2015
Fire Pump - Sprinkler Upgrade Course Kingston, ON - November 22-23, 2022
Instructor Training Program (ITP) - Ann Arbor, MI
August 2022
(L to R): Nick Devine, Nick Smirnov, Richard Gravelle, Ben Prince
Instructor Training Program (ITP) - Ann Arbor, MI August 2022
Get ready for the 2023 U.A. National Canadian Apprentice Competition, hosted by Local 144 in Montreal, Quebec. Put your skills to the test, challenge yourself and go for it! The National Canadian competition will be held in a brand-new facility where you will have the opportunity to meet fellow U.A. Apprentices, Fitters and many other affiliates from across Canada. Competitors will receive recognition, experience, opportunity, confidence, and more! The winner of Level 1 will move on to Level 2 (Skills Canada competition). The Apprentice who wins Level 1 will also advance to compete in Level 3 (U.A. Competition). The winner will then move on to Level 4 and represent Canada in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
▸ Broaden your skills
▸ Learn new techniques
▸ Employment opportunities
▸ Keep pace with emerging technologies
Local 853 is dedicated to ensuring we have the most well-trained workforce in the industry. We strive to keep pace with new and emerging technologies by updating our courses to reflect the latest standards and working with manufacturers and our National Sprinkler Industry JTAC to secure the latest equipment for upgrade training. Upgrade courses are open to all Journeypersons, while select courses are open to Apprentices. If you are an Apprentice interested in upgrade training, please see the course descriptions for the prerequisites of each course to ensure your eligibility before registering.
Sprinkler upgrade courses can be found on pages 14-20. See page 21 for registration details.
Fire Pump ׀ Specialty Hazard ׀ CO2 System
Vortex™ ׀ Clean Agent Systems
Through the U.A. Local 853 Training website our members have been expressing their interest to take certain courses in specific locations. This continues to make it easier to schedule courses in areas across the province of Ontario. We would like to encourage the continued use of this website function from our members to be able to provide courses that spark interest in areas where there is demand. With enough feedback, we can continue to provide the best training and support for our Journeypersons and Apprentices. Complete a variety of courses, in a short time-frame. If you have a recommendation for a location to run a course which is not indicated via the training website, please contact the training department and we will make every effort to assist you.
YOUR CITY!
Ottawa
Toronto
Windsor
Kingston
London
Kitchener
Waterloo
Hamilton
Sudbury
Thunder Bay
Thanks to the National Sprinkler Industry JTAC, we have access to mobile equipment containers which can be shipped around the province to accommodate remote upgrade training for Journeypersons and Apprentices. This will allow us to run courses on fire pumps and specialty systems with fully operational equipment in any location with access to power and water. We encourage you to contact the Local 853 Training Department to reserve your spot.
Refer to page 17 for a list of dates for MOBILE FIRE PUMP 2 training in Kingston, Ontario.
COURSE NAME: OPERATION & MAINTENANCE OF FIRE HYDRANTS
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will provide participants with the requirements of inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire hydrants according to NFPA standards. Participants will perform a flow test of a fire hydrant using the latest equipment for measuring and controlling the water flow. Participants will be shown how to properly record and analyze flow test data for the purpose of classifying hydrants and analyzing water supply. Participants will perform common repairs on fire hydrants using the manufacturer’s recommended procedures and equipment.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Friday, May 5, 2023
TIME: 8:00am
LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
CAPACITY: 18 participants
COURSE NAME: INTRODUCTION TO SEISMIC
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will review the basics of seismic supports and requirements of NFPA 13. Types of supports/bracing will be reviewed as well as the installation requirements.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Friday, May 5, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Ottawa - Local 787/853 Training Centre (1570 Liverpool Ct #6, Ottawa K1B 4L2)
CAPACITY: 18 participants
COURSE NAME: NFPA 13 - STANDARD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS - 2019 UPDATE
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will go through the various technical changes throughout the 2019 edition of NFPA 13. The participant will become familiar with these changes and will hear discussions on how it will impact the installation of future systems. Focus will be on information most relevant to those working in the sprinkler installation industry.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Friday, May 12, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
CAPACITY: 18 participants
COURSE NAME: FIRE PUMP 1 - INTRODUCTION TO FIRE PUMPS
COURSE SUMMARY
This (2) day course is for the journeyperson with no or limited experience installing fire pumps. Areas to be covered include fire pump theory, types of pumps and applications, basic hydraulic calculations, installation requirements, acceptance test requirements and related codes.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only
PREREQUISITE: None
DATES: Friday, May 12 & Saturday, May 13, 2023 (Ottawa)
Friday, June 2 & Saturday, June 3, 2023 (Toronto)
Friday, June 2 & Saturday, June 3, 2023 (Kingston)
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATIONS: Ottawa - Local 787/853 Training Centre (1570 Liverpool Ct #6, Ottawa K1B 4L2) Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6) Kingston - Local 401 Training Centre (25 Binnington Crt, Kingston K7M 8M9)
CAPACITY: 18 participants
COURSE NAME: NITROGEN GENERATOR SYSTEMS
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will provide instruction and hands on demonstration of the operation and features of nitrogen generator systems. Nitrogen generator systems provide on-site high purity nitrogen intended for sprinkler systems to minimize corrosion and extend the life of a system.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Saturday, May 13, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
CAPACITY: 9 participants
COURSE NAME: NFPA 14 - STANDARD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will review the requirements of NFPA 14 and promote navigation and understanding of the requirements of this NFPA standard. Discussions will also focus on the additional requirements of Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and OHSA Regulations for Construction Projects.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATES: Friday, June 2, 2023 (Toronto) Friday, June 9, 2023 (Ottawa)
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATIONS: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6) Ottawa - Local 787/853 Training Centre (1570 Liverpool Ct #6, Ottawa K1B 4L2)
CAPACITY: 18 participants
COURSE NAME: RELIABLE® DDX VALVES
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will provide instruction and hands on demonstration of the operation, set up, maintenance and repair of the Reliable® DDX line of valves used in their dry, deluge and preaction systems. The course will show proper set up procedure and common troubleshooting and appropriate repair parts/tools.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATES: Saturday, June 3, 2023 (Toronto)
Saturday, June 10, 2023 (Ottawa)
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATIONS*: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
Ottawa - Local 787/853 Training Centre (1570 Liverpool Ct #6, Ottawa K1B 4L2)
CAPACITY: 12 participants
COURSE NAME: FIRE PUMP 2 - INSPECTION AND TESTING
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will focus on fire pump inspection and annual testing. Areas that will be covered include requirements for a proper fire pump inspection, procedures for annual testing, safe use of testing equipment, plotting test results, completing associated testing documents, in addition to basic trouble shooting. To participate in this course, it is recommended that Journeypersons have relevant field experience with the installation and operation of fire pumps or have completed Fire Pump 1.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only
PREREQUISITE: Refer to course summary above
DATES: Friday, June 9, 2023 (Toronto)
Friday, June 23, 2023 (Toronto)
Friday, June 23, 2023 (Kingston) MOBILE
Saturday, June 24, 2023 (Kingston) MOBILE
TIME: 8:00am*
FIRE PUMP 2 MOBILE TRAINING IN KINGSTON page 10
LOCATIONS: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
Kingston - Local 401 Training Centre (25 Binnington Crt, Kingston K7M 8M9)
CAPACITY: 12 participants
COURSE NAME: WATER-BASED FOAM SYSTEMS
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will cover the inspection, testing and maintenance of foam systems through hands on demonstrations of the generation, characteristics, proportioning, and testing of foam systems and foam samples.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Friday, June 23, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
CAPACITY: 9 participants
COURSE NAME: COMMISSIONING AND ACCEPTANCE TESTING OF WATER-BASED SYSTEMS
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will review the requirements of testing and test reports/documentation upon completion of a water-based (sprinkler or standpipe) system installation. Discussions will also focus on testing equipment, methods and AHJ requirements.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Friday, June 23, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
CAPACITY: 18 participants
COURSE NAME: VICTAULIC® NXT VALVES
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will provide instruction and hands on demonstration of the operation, set up, maintenance and repair of the Victaulic® NXT line of valves used in their dry, deluge and preaction systems. The course will show proper set up procedure and common troubleshooting and appropriate repair parts/tools.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Friday, June 30, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
CAPACITY: 12 participants
COURSE NAME: FIRE PUMP 3 - FIRE PUMP PACKING SERVICE
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1/2) day course will cover disassembly of a fire pump for the purposes of cleaning and repacking. To participate in this course, it is recommended that Journeypersons have relevant field experience with servicing fire pumps or have completed Fire Pump 2.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only
PREREQUISITE: Relevant field experience (see above) OR successful completion of Fire Pump 2
DATE: Friday, June 30, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill L4S 0G6)
CAPACITY: 8 participants
COURSE NAME: SWITCH COURSE
COURSE SUMMARY
This (1) day course will explain how to install and set up sprinkler system switches, troubleshoot and review how to test these devices once they are connected to the fire alarm panel. This course will include practical hands-on applications and use of a multimeter.
REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons and Apprentices
PREREQUISITE: None
DATE: Friday, June 30, 2023
TIME: 8:00am*
LOCATION: Ottawa - Local 787/853 Training Centre (1570 Liverpool Ct #6, Ottawa K1B 4L2)
CAPACITY: 9 participants
*Course end time may vary
Sprinkler upgrade courses are offered on a first come first serve basis. Any extra registrations will be held on a wait list in the event of cancellations. All correspondence for courses will be via email. To register for any of the sprinkler upgrade courses, please choose one of the three options below. Changes to the schedule may occur, and those registered will be notified by email.
The National Sprinkler Industry JTAC (NJTAC) is celebrating 50 years of supporting apprenticeship, Journeyperson upgrade training and trade qualifications. To help celebrate this milestone, the NJTAC will be issuing a commemorative book referencing and highlighting the members, locals, jurisdictions, and events that have helped to shape our industry. The sprinkler trade in Canada has historic roots dating back to 1915! New courses have been added TO THE NJTAC LMS (Learning Management System) and we are getting close to issuing a total of 6000 training certificates since going live in October 2020! See page 23 for a list of online courses offered by the NJTAC.
This is a primer for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) of diesel fire pump batteries and hazard identification.
This online course is presented with Sean Pearce, Fire Protection Business Development Manager with Lubrizol. This course is due diligence for sprinkler Apprentices and Journeyperson to obtain critical information and to maintain their proficiency when using BlazeMaster® CPVC fire sprinkler products. It is required to renew your certification every two years to keep up with product and installation updates. You will be provided with a link at the end of this course to complete the mandatory training quiz to receive your certification from the manufacturer.
This self paced course will review the requirements of testing and test reports/documentation upon completion of a water-based (sprinkler or standpipe) system installation. Discussions will also focus on testing equipment, methods and AHJ requirements.
This health and safety course provides the information for on the job use of fire extinguishers. It is recommended that the training be completed every 3 years.
This online course will introduce learners to the basics of private fire hydrant installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
This online course will review the installation and testing requirements for a sprinkler system main drain. NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 requirements will be referenced as well as a sample main drain test procedure demonstration.
This course will provide the Apprentice/Journeyperson an understanding of the restructuring of the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 and also identify some of the important changes from the previous 2016 edition of this standard. The course is divided up into the appropriate chapters of the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 and is designed to give the participant an expectation of what to find in each chapter of the new layout and highlight the pertinent changes within. This course is self paced and the user may return to finish any uncompleted lessons.
This course will identify some of the common Ridgid® products used in the sprinkler fitter trade. It is intended to help new apprentices gain some exposure and resource with these tools, their use and setup/adjustments. It is not intended to replace on the job training from a licensed journeyperson but rather help prepare and enhance the progress of a newer apprentice and provide an opportunity to review these tools at their own pace. This course may also prove beneficial to experienced apprentices and journeypersons possibly coming from different sectors of the trade and unfamiliar with specific tools and setup or to also help support them with the training of new apprentices in the trade.
This course will help the sprinkler Apprentice prepare for trade school and provide support as a resource during training. It contains lessons covering the fundamentals of adding and subtracting fractions. You must be proficient when working with fractions as it is a building block for your trade and a necessity when speaking the language of measurements, fabrication, and installation. This course includes review of terminology, steps, and methods needed when working with fractions. You can return to the content of this course at any time to review or reference the information.
Do you know someone who may be interested in becoming a Local 853 Apprentice? The application process can be completed in just 4 steps.
▸ High School Diploma or equivalent
▸ Successful completion of minimum grade 12 Math and grade 12 English or post-secondary equivalent (GED's are acceptable with a minimum 55% grade achieved)
▸ Valid driver's license
▸ Apply on the Local 853 training website ualocal853training.com
▸ Select Training Centre and Recruitment
▸ Complete the online form and attach the requirements documents listed above
▸ Score 70% or higher to move forward
▸ Successful applicants will be placed on an active waiting list and contacted as apprenticeship opportunities become available
▸ Please Note: Successful application does not guarantee employment. Applications will be reviewed annually if employment has not been secured within 12 months of being placed on the waiting list.
The Sprinkler & Fire Protection trade gives our Apprentices endless opportunities to develop their skills and gain important experience while working on a variety of projects across Ontario. We want to show others that may be interested in starting a trade that Sprinkler Fitting is an interesting, challenging, and rewarding career.
We know you have some amazing and unique pictures from the jobsites you have worked & learned on, and we want to help share those experiences. Please email us your pictures so we can feature them in our training newsletter, social media sites and training centre.
To ensure that you receive the latest communication from the Local 853 Training Department, please ensure that we have your current mailing address, phone number and email address on file. Update your profile on the training website to receive communication on upcoming upgrade courses, competitions, events, apprenticeship, training advancements, and more. Feel free to contact us at 905.477.6022 Ext 133 if you need assistance updating your profile.
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