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Industry News, Training Center Updates, and member spotlights. Explore what it’s like to join, and what we stand for at the Nor Cal SMW Training Center.

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Northern California JATC Sets Industry Milestone with ASHRAE Student Branch Launch
Northern California JATC Sets Industry Milestone with ASHRAE Student Branch Launch

The Northern California Valley Sheet Metal Industry JATC has made history by becoming the first union HVACR apprenticeship program to launch an official ASHRAE Student Branch, setting a new standard for the industry. This groundbreaking achievement bridges the gap between skilled trades, engineering, and academia, giving apprentices direct access to cutting-edge industry knowledge and professional networks.

Driven by strong collaboration with ASHRAE leaders and fueled by enthusiastic apprentice participation, the new student branch is already creating opportunities for leadership, innovation, and real-world application of advanced HVAC concepts. This milestone represents more than recognition, it signals a shift toward a more connected, collaborative future for the built environment.

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Robert Martin Robert Martin

5th-Year Sheet Metal Apprentices Advance Their Revit Detailing Skills

Our 5th-year Sheet Metal apprentices are putting their building models to work in Module 4 of Intro to Revit 2025. After modeling three buildings in their last class, they are now learning to annotate those models with dimensions and tags.

The class is also exploring the difference between instance and type parameters, when to use temporary and permanent dimensions, and how detail lines support clear drawings. Each lesson builds the precision and communication skills apprentices need to turn a model into useful construction documentation.

A special thank-you to Julie Fifield and Bryan Lyon for creating the outstanding detailing coursework that supports this training!

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