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!

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.