Our fourth- and fifth-year Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) apprentices recently participated in hands-on sheet metal training designed to expand their technical knowledge and field capabilities.

By developing practical sheet metal skills, apprentices gain a better understanding of HVAC duct systems, airflow, fabrication, and installation. This cross-training strengthens their ability to evaluate system performance, identify potential problems, and understand how ductwork affects airflow and overall building efficiency.

Combining advanced TAB instruction with real-world sheet metal experience helps produce knowledgeable, versatile professionals who are prepared for today’s demanding HVAC industry. This training reflects our commitment to advanced education, hands-on learning, and building a highly skilled workforce.

Our fourth-year Sheet Metal apprentices recently completed hands-on corner board training focused on accurately measuring, laying out, and fabricating sheet metal fittings.

Students applied advanced layout techniques, precise measurements, and proven fabrication methods to transform flat sheet metal into correctly formed fittings. This practical exercise strengthened their skills in field measurement, material planning, fitting layout, development, and quality control.

Training like this prepares our apprentices to work efficiently and accurately in real-world HVAC and sheet metal environments. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on fabrication, our program develops productive, highly skilled craftspeople who are ready to meet the demands of today’s industry.

Our fourth-year Sheet Metal apprentices recently applied their Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) skills while fabricating and welding grease duct.

This specialized, hands-on training challenged students to produce strong, continuous welds while maintaining accuracy, cleanliness, and attention to safety. Apprentices gained practical experience in material preparation, welding-machine setup, joint fit-up, heat control, and weld-quality inspection.

Grease duct fabrication requires precision and dependable workmanship. By completing projects based on real-world industry applications, our apprentices are developing the advanced welding and fabrication skills needed for careers in commercial construction, HVAC, and the sheet metal industry.

Training like this demonstrates our program’s commitment to producing safe, skilled, and job-ready professionals.

Our 3rd-year TAB students recently completed the build and commissioning of VFD and lighting control panels, demonstrating the advanced technical skills developed through our program. This project gave students direct experience with electrical assembly, control wiring, system integration, startup procedures, troubleshooting, and commissioning — all critical skills used in today’s mechanical, HVAC, and building automation industries.

By working on real-world control systems, students moved beyond classroom theory and gained practical knowledge in how variable frequency drives (VFDs) and lighting control systems improve energy efficiency, equipment performance, and building operations. From panel layout and component installation to testing and final startup, students were involved in every phase of the process.

Projects like this highlight the value of our program: preparing students with job-ready skills, hands-on experience, and exposure to the technologies used in modern commercial and industrial facilities. Our TAB program continues to build confident, capable technicians who are ready to contribute in the field from day one.

Our third-year Sheet Metal Apprentices recently strengthened their field-fabrication skills through hands-on gutter miter training.

This advanced exercise challenged apprentices to accurately measure, lay out, cut, fit, and assemble gutter miters that meet professional standards. Students applied geometry, field measurements, and sheet metal layout techniques to create clean, precise connections while maintaining proper alignment and water flow.

The training also reinforced safe tool use, efficient material planning, quality control, and weather-resistant assembly methods. Each apprentice learned how careful preparation and accurate fabrication can reduce material waste, improve installation efficiency, and produce a durable finished product.

By combining classroom instruction with realistic field applications, our apprenticeship program develops skilled craftspeople who can confidently solve problems and deliver high-quality work on the jobsite. These projects build the precision, productivity, and craftsmanship demanded by today’s sheet metal industry.

Our third-year Sheet Metal Service Apprentices are strengthening their electrical and HVAC controls knowledge through advanced, hands-on Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) training.

During this exercise, apprentices wired a momentary push-button switch into a holding circuit used to start and maintain operation of a VFD. They then configured the control sequence so that once the drive reached its commanded speed, an output signal energized a 120-volt indicator light. This provided a clear visual confirmation that the system had achieved the intended operating condition.

The project challenged apprentices to apply electrical theory while developing practical skills in control-circuit wiring, VFD operation, relay logic, sequence of operation, electrical schematics, and system troubleshooting. Students also practiced safe testing procedures and verified each stage of the circuit before placing the system into operation.

By combining modern HVAC technology with realistic troubleshooting scenarios, our apprenticeship program prepares students to confidently install, service, and diagnose today’s increasingly sophisticated building systems. This productive training develops the technical ability, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail required of highly qualified service professionals.

Our third-year Service Apprentices recently updated their brazing certifications, demonstrating their commitment to safety, precision, and professional excellence.

During this advanced, hands-on training, apprentices strengthened the essential brazing skills used in HVAC and refrigeration systems. The certification process reinforced proper joint preparation, torch control, filler-metal application, heat management, leak prevention, and safe equipment handling. Apprentices were required to produce clean, reliable connections that meet demanding industry standards.

Maintaining current brazing certifications helps ensure our apprentices are prepared to work safely and productively in the field. By combining technical instruction, performance-based evaluation, and real-world service applications, our apprenticeship program continues to develop highly trained professionals who are ready to meet the evolving needs of the HVAC and sheet metal industries.

This is more than certification—it is proof of the skill, discipline, and craftsmanship our apprentices bring to every jobsite.

Our third-year Sheet Metal Apprentices are advancing their fabrication skills through hands-on training with the press brake—an essential piece of equipment used to form precise bends in sheet metal.

Under instructor supervision, apprentices practice safe machine setup, proper tooling selection, blueprint interpretation, accurate measurement, and bend sequencing. Every exercise reinforces critical safety procedures, including personal protective equipment, machine guarding, pinch-point awareness, and proper material handling.

This advanced training combines classroom knowledge with real-world fabrication techniques, helping apprentices produce accurate, high-quality components efficiently. By learning to work safely and productively with industry-standard equipment, our apprentices are developing the technical skills, confidence, and craftsmanship required to succeed in today’s sheet metal industry.

Safety, precision, and productivity aren’t just lessons—they’re the foundation of a highly skilled workforce.

The Northern California Valley and Modesto Area Sheet Metal Workers proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 on August 22. These new journeypersons completed years of rigorous classroom and hands-on training, strengthening the skilled workforce serving the Sacramento and Modesto regions. Prepared for careers in HVAC, welding, TAB, service, architectural sheet metal, BIM, and more, the Class of 2026 represents the next generation of highly trained sheet metal professionals.

Our fifth-year apprentice class is taking its training to the next level by working with a rolling offset board—an advanced hands-on exercise designed to replicate the complex measuring and layout challenges encountered in the field.

This capstone training gives apprentices valuable experience calculating rolling offsets, verifying center-to-center measurements, determining fitting takeoffs, and applying trade mathematics to real-world installations. Each apprentice must combine precision measurement, spatial reasoning, blueprint interpretation, and problem-solving to create an accurate layout.

The exercise is about more than finding the correct numbers. Apprentices learn to account for jobsite conditions, minimize material waste, confirm measurements before fabrication, and maintain the strict tolerances required for a safe, efficient installation.

By combining classroom knowledge with practical field-measuring experience, the rolling offset board helps prepare our apprentices for the responsibilities of journey-level work. It is a powerful demonstration of how advanced technical instruction, hands-on craftsmanship, and attention to detail come together in today’s skilled trades.

As these fifth-year apprentices approach the completion of their program, they are not simply practicing a procedure—they are demonstrating the technical confidence, accuracy, and field readiness needed to become the next generation of highly skilled professionals.

Our third-year HVAC apprentices are taking electrical training to the next level by bringing classroom instruction directly into the lab.

 After studying wiring diagrams, electrical theory, and advanced circuits in the classroom, apprentices put that knowledge to work on hands-on HVAC wiring boards. These training systems allow apprentices to build, analyze, and troubleshoot circuits while developing a deeper understanding of how electrical components work together within modern HVAC systems.

 The goal goes beyond simply learning how to connect wires. Apprentices are learning how to read and interpret HVAC wiring diagrams and schematics, understand sequences of operation, identify electrical components, trace circuits, diagnose faults, and troubleshoot system operation.

 This combination of classroom instruction and hands-on lab experience is an important part of apprenticeship training. By first learning the theory and then immediately applying it to real-world scenarios, apprentices develop the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills needed in the field.

 As HVAC technology continues to evolve, technicians are working with increasingly sophisticated electrical systems, electronic controls, variable-speed equipment, heat pumps, and building automation systems. Developing a strong foundation in electrical theory and troubleshooting prepares our apprentices to progress into these more advanced technologies throughout their careers.

 Hands-on training like this is how we bridge the gap between understanding how a system should work on paper and knowing how to diagnose and service it in the field.

 Our mission is to prepare highly skilled HVAC professionals who are ready to meet the needs of today's contractors while continuing to adapt to the technologies shaping the future of our industry

The 2026 Heavy Metal Summer Experience gave Sacramento-area youth a hands-on introduction to careers in the sheet metal and HVAC industries. Over four days, participants fabricated projects from flat sheet metal, experimented with HVAC service and Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) equipment, learned welding skills, explored BIM and detailing, and heard directly from apprentices, union representatives and industry professionals.

The program is already demonstrating its value as a workforce pathway, with some participants moving on to employment with local contractors. As the Sacramento region continues advancing building electrification and heat-pump adoption, programs like HMSE can help connect the next generation with the skilled careers needed to install, service, test and verify high-performing HVAC systems.

In July Alex Tiechner and Rob Martin attended the Western States Instructor Workshop, an excellent opportunity to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh ideas back to our training program.

During the workshop, Rob Martin presented on Fire Smoke Damper Curriculum, sharing valuable information and instructional resources that can be incorporated into our classrooms.

We came back with a lot of great class content and new ideas to strengthen our training. Opportunities like this help our instructors continue to grow while ensuring our apprentices receive relevant, high-quality education.

Thank you to Tim Myres and everyone involved in making the Western States Instructor Workshop a valuable learning experience!

Mammini recently met with our second-year apprentices to walk them through the process of investing in their 401(k) profit-sharing plan.

The session gave apprentices a better understanding of how their retirement benefits work, the importance of planning for the future, and how the decisions they make today can help build long-term financial security.

A big thank you to Mammini for taking the time to educate our apprentices and help them take an important step toward their financial future.

Effective January 1, 2026, the 2025 California Mechanical Code requires duct leakage testing to follow the SMACNA HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual and be performed by qualified, certified technicians.

Recognized certifications include TABB, AABC, NEBB, or another AHJ-approved equivalent. The TABB DALT Technician credential is especially well suited because it is focused specifically on duct leakage testing, documentation, and code compliance.

The result: more consistent testing, stronger accountability, and better-performing HVAC systems.

The Sacramento JATC recently welcomed HVAC contractors, apprentices, engineers, inspectors, and industry partners for a comprehensive training on California's latest Title 24, California Mechanical Code, and fire life safety requirements. Hosted in partnership with regional SMACNA chapters, SMART Local 104, and NEMI, the seminar equipped attendees with practical knowledge to stay ahead of evolving codes, improve building performance, and support a safer, more energy-efficient built environment.

The California Energy Commission has unanimously approved the $9.3 million CA-TREC grant, investing in the expansion of California's residential HVAC workforce through existing state-accredited apprenticeship programs. For SMART Local 104, this funding will strengthen residential heat pump training, create new opportunities for apprentices and journey workers, and help ensure California's clean energy systems are installed correctly to deliver lasting benefits for homeowners and communities.

SMART Local 104 is proud to celebrate two outstanding apprentices who were awarded scholarships to attend the ASHRAE Winter Conference— Presented by Sergio Rodriguez and Daphny Paye from ASHRAE Sacramento Chapter to our Service apprenticeship program and our Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) apprenticeship program.

Congratulations to both apprentices on this well-deserved recognition. SMART 104 is honored to support the next generation of skilled professionals and looks forward to seeing their continued success in the industry.

This week, Southland Industries had Loren Zehl and Pendleton Berner at the Local 104 NCVSM Training Center completing their AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel certifications in preparation for upcoming projects requiring D1.1-qualified welders.

Investing in training and certification helps ensure our workforce is ready to meet project specifications while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and craftsmanship. Congratulations to Loren and Pendleton for expanding their qualifications and helping position our team for continued success on future projects.

Anthony, a second-year apprentice, is gaining valuable hands-on experience through a conductor head fabrication project. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and growing shop fabrication skills continue to highlight his potential in the sheet metal trade.