Sacramento JATC Hosts California Title 24 & Mechanical Code Update Training for HVAC Industry Professionals
The Sacramento Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (Sacramento JATC) recently hosted a highly successful California Title 24 and California Mechanical Code (CMC) Update Seminar, bringing together HVAC contractors, sheet metal workers, apprentices, engineers, suppliers, building officials, and code enforcement professionals to learn about the latest changes affecting California's construction industry.
The training was made possible through a collaborative effort between Tri-Counties SMACNA, Central Valley SMACNA, Northern San Joaquin SMACNA, Sacramento SMACNA, the Monterey Bay Area Sheet Metal Contractors Association, and SMART Local 104. The educational seminar was presented by Steven Winstead of the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI) and Chris Ruch, Codes and Standards Representative for SMART Local 104, who provided attendees with an overview of the latest California code changes, industry standards, and emerging opportunities for the sheet metal and HVAC industry.
The seminar series was hosted at JATC training centers in Castroville, Fresno, Sacramento, and Ventura, demonstrating the industry's commitment to providing high-quality, up-to-date training for California's sheet metal and HVAC workforce.
Special thanks go to the apprenticeship coordinators who helped make these events possible, including Alex Titchener, Brad DeYoung, Eric Priest, and John Kroon.
Preparing the Workforce for California's New Code Requirements
The Sacramento JATC proudly hosted the Sacramento session on Friday, July 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The seminar featured an engaging presentation and lively discussion covering many of the most significant code and industry changes taking effect this year.
Topics included:
2025 California Energy Code (Title 24) updates
California Mechanical Code (CMC) changes
Recent ASHRAE standards and their impact on HVAC design and installation
Oakland Fire Code amendments establishing workforce qualification requirements for the periodic inspection and testing of:
Fire and Smoke Dampers (FSD)
Smoke Control Systems (SCS)
Mechanical Smoke Removal Systems (MSRS)
Smoke and Heat Vents (SHV)
Emerging opportunities in California's growing residential HVAC and heat pump market
Attendees represented a broad cross-section of the industry, including HVAC contractors, HVAC technicians, engineers, and code enforcement personnel. The collaborative environment encouraged valuable discussions about code compliance, workforce qualifications, building safety, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
Supporting California's High-Road Workforce
As part of its commitment to ongoing education, SMART Local 104 and NEMI will provide attendees with a series of technical one-sheet reference guides and additional resources covering each of the topics presented during the seminar.
The participation from inspectors also highlighted the growing demand for specialized code education for inspectors. As a result, SMART Local 104 is already working with regional SMACNA chapters to develop additional training opportunities specifically for building inspectors and code enforcement professionals. These trainings will help ensure consistent implementation of California's evolving mechanical, energy, and fire safety codes while supporting safe, healthy, and energy-efficient buildings throughout the state.
The Sacramento JATC continues o provide industry-leading education that prepares apprentices, journey-level workers, contractors, and industry partners for the future of California's HVAC and sheet metal industry.
