A recent podcast episode from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) explores how the fire protection engineering (FPE) profession is evolving, the challenges of attracting and educating the next generation, and what role AI might play for the future for those in the industry.

There is a growing global shortage of FPEs just as demand for their services is surging. Factors such as accelerating technology, global building booms, and intensifying natural disasters are making their work more challenging than ever. Some also predict that artificial intelligence will completely alter how FPEs do their jobs over the next decade.

Bill Koffel, veteran FPE and director of the new online fire protection engineering program at the University of Maryland, discusses Maryland’s effort to expand access to FPE training and his outlook for industry professionals.

Access the NFPA podcast.