---
title: 'Designer Apprentice at VSC Fire & Security'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/designer-apprentice-vsc-fire-security-richmond-virginia-5n9fkjmdg4vf'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Designer Apprentice at VSC Fire & Security

- **Company:** VSC Fire & Security
- **Location:** Richmond Virginia, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-09-03
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/vscfiresecurityinc/jobs/5413033008

## Job description

VSC Fire & Security delivers integrated, cutting-edge fire protection, life safety and security solutions, including fire suppression and detection systems, fire sprinklers, alarms and security systems.

The company was founded in 1958 on quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service, with integrity and reliability at the center of everything we do. As the premier provider of fire protection and life-safety solutions across the Southeast, VSC Fire & Security provides every customer with comprehensive solutions through outstanding design, efficient installation, reliable service and repair, and thorough inspections.

VSC Fire & Security in Richmond, Virginia is seeking candidates for the position of Designer Apprentice.

What we offer:

- Excellent pay $20.00 - $30.00 based on experience
- Overtime eligible
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Medical, dental and vision insurance options for you and your family
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Company paid life insurance for full time employees
- Employee apparel program
- Company paid long term disability insurance
- Bonus for referring new employees
- Parental leave for full-time employees
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Boot Allowance
- NICET certification test reimbursement
- Opportunities for training and advancement
- All needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided

What you need:

- Zero to one year of experience with AutoCAD or SprinkCAD or background in mathematics.
- Basic knowledge of the following: architectural drawings, site surveys, water data, fire suppression systems, state and local codes, and communication with site needs.
- Ensure compliance with NFPA standards and insurance requirements as well as all fire and building code requirements.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Exceptional attention to detail and communication skills.
- Eagerness for professional development and growth.
- Monitor and enforce safety policies and procedures.
- Ability to pass various background checks.
- Reliable transportation, valid State Driver's License with acceptable driving record for use of company vehicle.
- Desirable (but not required):
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in drafting (AutoCAD)
- NICET Level I or II.

What you will do:

- The Apprentice position is for the individual who is learning and practicing all the steps, duties, and responsibilities of a Designer. They will work with and under the supervision of other Designers. It is the responsibility of the trainee to ensure that they are practicing and asking all the appropriate questions to ensure that they are growing their knowledge in design.
- Maintain proper Risk Management and Safety procedures on all job sites per VSC policies.

VSC Fire and Security is a drug free workplace.

## Equal Opportunity Employer

We look forward to hearing from you!

[www.vscfire.com](http://www.vscfire.com)

## About VSC Fire & Security

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: VSC Fire & Security is a trusted provider of fire protection, life safety, and security solutions, including inspection, installation, design, and repair of fire sprinkler, alarm, and security systems for commercial, retail, government, and residential customers.
- **Entity Type**: Private subsidiary of **Markel Group Inc.** (NYSE: MKL) – a publicly traded holding company.
- **Headquarters**: Richmond, Virginia, United States
- **Founded**: 1958
- **Founders**: Not publicly available

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Construction (fire protection and security systems installation and services)
- **Target customers**: B2B (commercial, retail, government, military, healthcare) and B2C (residential)
- **Mission**: To deliver outstanding, efficient, and cost-effective installation and reliable service, repair, and inspection services to all clients, built on values of quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service, integrity, and reliability.

## Products & Services
- **Fire Sprinkler Systems**: Design, installation, inspection, and repair of water-based, deluge, pre-action, anti-freeze, and clean agent suppression systems.
- **Fire Alarm & Detection Systems**: Design, installation, and maintenance of fire alarm and notification systems.
- **Security Systems**: CCTV, access control, intrusion alarms, intercom/paging, and wireless communication systems.
- **Inspection Services**: Comprehensive NFPA 25 compliance inspections, diesel fuel testing, backflow prevention, and commercial kitchen hood suppression.
- **Service & Repair**: Emergency repair, corrosion/obstruction mitigation, and ongoing maintenance for all fire and security equipment.
- **Design & Engineering**: In-house design of sprinkler systems and low-voltage solutions for new construction and retrofits.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not disclosed (privately held subsidiary of Markel Group)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue estimated at **$213 million** (as of a recent report, likely 2023/2024) [Growjo]
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Parent company **Markel Group Inc.** (acquired VSC as part of its construction services portfolio). Key partnerships include York Electronics Systems (acquired in 2017) and BFPE International.
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Headcount: **1,800+ employees** (up from ~1,200 in earlier data) [LinkedIn]
  - Job postings increased **255.6% year-over-year** (as of mid-2025) [LinkedIn]
  - Expanded footprint to **20+ offices** across 12 states, from the East Coast to Texas and Oklahoma [vscfire.com]

## Competitive Advantages
- **60+ years of industry experience** (founded 1958) with a strong reputation for reliability and quality craftsmanship.
- **Breadth of services**: Single-source provider for fire sprinkler, alarm, security, and inspection – simplifying compliance and reducing vendor management for clients.
- **Financial strength** backed by Markel Group, enabling bonding capacity and long-term stability.
- **Extensive training infrastructure**: Paid apprenticeship programs leading to NICET certification, design boot camps, and product certification programs.
- **Large fleet** (950+ vehicles) and geographic coverage across the Eastern and Southern U.S.

## Strategic Focus
- **Geographic expansion**: Continuing to grow into new markets (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico) and increasing density in existing regions.
- **Workforce development**: Investing heavily in training programs to attract and retain skilled technicians (apprenticeships, internships, NICET prep).
- **Technology integration**: Offering advanced security systems (CCTV, access control, nurse call) and corrosion-mitigation services.
- **Operational efficiency**: Streamlining inspections and service contracts with unified billing and automated reminders.

## Why Work Here
- **World-class training**: Paid 4-year apprenticeship leading to a journeyman card, 2-year NICET prep program, and a 2-week sprinkler design boot camp. Internships available for high school and college students.
- **Career growth**: Clear advancement paths from apprentice to technician, foreman, manager, and beyond. Many open positions across multiple locations.
- **Culture**: Emphasizes valuing the individual – “VSC is a company of individuals” – with a focus on professionalism, technical expertise, and customer safety.
- **Benefits**: Competitive salaries, industry-leading benefits, and a strong safety record.
- **Work environment**: Primarily on-site at customer locations and company offices; some hybrid/remote roles available (e.g., Enterprise Service Coordinator, Remote). Roles include fire sprinkler fitters, alarm technicians, designers, project managers, and administrative positions.
- **Stability**: Over 60 years in business, backed by a major public company (Markel), with a growing footprint and job posting growth of 255% YoY.

## Sources
1. [vscfire.com](https://vscfire.com/) – Company overview, locations, services, and history
2. [vscfire.com/join-our-team/](https://vscfire.com/join-our-team/) – Training programs, culture, and career opportunities
3. [vscfire.com/what-we-do/](https://vscfire.com/what-we-do/) – Detailed service offerings and inspection programs
4. [LinkedIn: VSC Fire & Security](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vsc-fire-and-security) – Employee count, growth data, job posting trends, and parent company info
5. [Greenhouse: VSC Fire & Security Jobs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/vscfiresecurityinc) – Active job listings and locations
6. [Growjo](https://growjo.com) – Revenue estimate ($213M) and employee count (457 historical, now outdated) – *Note: Revenue figure is third-party estimate*
7. [Markel Group Inc.](https://www.markel.com) – Public parent company (NYSE: MKL)

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