On Monday, Henrico County Public Schools students will put on their hard hats and continue Henrico Career & Technical Education’s 20th House Building Project. With these students, Henrico CTE will take this construction project to the next level, teaming up with the Virginia chapter of the American Fire and Sprinkler Association to build life-ready skills and community collaboration with a first-of-its-kind sprinkler installation project.
Twenty-eight students from the Summer Building Trades Program will be taking on the sprinkler installation project, which, according to AFSA, is the first sprinkler installation performed by an organized high school or technical education class in the country. These participating students are rising 10th graders who are exploring potential trade career pathways, including electricity, masonry, carpentry, HVAC and cabling, at one of HCPS’ Advanced Career Education Centers.
The sprinkler project will begin Monday with guidance and instruction from AFSA VA professionals as materials are delivered to the construction site. Students will work Tuesday, with installation expected to take about two to three weeks.
“This type of opportunity provides students with a chance to experience learning through a true ‘hands-on’ approach,” said Mac Beaton, the director of HCPS’ Department of Workforce & Career Development. “Having the opportunity to learn from the professionals in the field adds a layer of authenticity that makes it a win-win opportunity for the students, schools and business partners.”
The sprinkler installation will be completed on a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 3104 Aqua Court in Henrico that had its foundation built during the 2023-24 school year. Construction of the house, the collaborative effort of 200-600 Henrico CTE students, will conclude in the 2024-25 school year before it is eventually sold.
It will be the first of the 20 single-family homes built as part of the House Building Project to feature a sprinkler system, which the AFSA calls “the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fires in their early stages.” Materials will be provided via donations from Viking and General Air Products, with training and certification for the CPVC piping provided by the Lubrizol Corporation.
“The AFSA VA Chapter Board is wowed by the contributions and efforts of our contractor, vendor, designer and other members to make this project a reality,” said Bob Beckwith, AFSA VA president. “The students will have a great feeling of pride knowing that the fire sprinkler installation in the house will protect the new homeowners and possibly save lives. This project will serve as a successful example of what private and public sector collaboration and thinking outside of the box can achieve to make a difference for the community.”
Learn more about Henrico Schools’ CTE programs and the House Building Project at henricocte.com.