Faculty Spotlight: Clay Setliff Builds Apprenticeship Success

As Seminole State College of Florida celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, the College recognizes the faculty members whose expertise and dedication play a vital role in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals. Among those educators is Clay Setliff, a long-time instructor in Seminole State’s Fire Sprinkler Technology Apprenticeship program whose decades of industry and classroom experience continue to make a lasting impact on apprentices.

With more than 40 years in the fire sprinkler industry and 28 years as an apprenticeship instructor, Setliff brings a rare depth of knowledge to the classroom. His career spans both hands-on fieldwork and structured instruction, giving him a clear understanding of what apprentices need to succeed on the job and why classroom learning is an essential part of that journey.

“[Apprentices] are out in the field every day learning how to install systems,” Setliff explained. “But in the classroom, they learn the code – why hangers are spaced 15 feet apart and what those requirements actually mean.”

That classroom instruction, formally known as Related Technical Instruction (RTI), is designed to complement on-the-job training by providing the foundational knowledge apprentices may not receive through hands-on practice alone. Setliff says RTI plays a critical role throughout the entire apprenticeship.

“Without that classroom time, they wouldn’t have this information,” he said. “The classroom is extremely important from first year all the way to fourth year.”

Beyond system installation, RTI helps apprentices understand inspections, compliance requirements and inspection frequency – key components of building a well-rounded fire protection professional. This broader understanding prepares apprentices not just to perform tasks, but to think critically about safety, standards and long-term performance in the field.

When asked what makes an apprentice successful in the classroom, Setliff emphasized that attitude matters more than prior experience.

“They’ve got to have a little initiative and a drive to want to learn,” he said. “If they apply themselves, they will succeed.”

Industry Collaboration Supports Apprenticeship Success

Collaboration with industry partners is another cornerstone of Seminole State’s apprenticeship model. Setliff explained that employers play an active role in shaping the curriculum to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to workforce needs.

This partnership allows the College to maintain academic standards while aligning instruction with real-world expectations, ensuring apprentices graduate with skills that employers value.

As part of his aim to help students build relevant skills for career success, Setliff works to ensure his students are engaged, with a strong emphasis on participation.

“I make everyone participate,” he said. “I call on them individually and don’t let anyone be a bystander.”

He also challenges students to think independently by assigning research-based questions and encouraging them to find answers beyond the textbook. This approach builds confidence, critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the trade.

Setliff’s dedication to training the next generation of apprentices highlights the essential role instructors play in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Through experience, collaboration and intentional teaching strategies, faculty ensure apprentices are not only technically prepared, but confident, knowledgeable and ready for long-term success.