The Sheet Metal trade is unique as it is one of the few crafts that starts with raw material, creates a component and installs and maintains the product. Using a combination of mathematics, layout tools, hammers, drills, plasma and laser beam cutting systems, computers, cutting, forming, seaming or welding machines, workers manipulate the material into the product desired. The maintenance sector includes preventive maintenance, repair, testing, balancing and sometimes certification of the installed systems. Items commonly fabricated and installed include HVAC systems, metal roofs, kitchen hoods, various flashings, gutters, decorative architectural features and many other items made of a variety of metals. It is an interesting and evolving field with exciting growth potential. The apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn program involving paid "full-time" work and related classes.

Test, Adjust and Balancing (TAB) Technician is a registered apprenticeship program offered in partnership with Sheet Metal Local 104 and Bay Area Training Fund. This 5-year apprenticeship program provides students with 216 hours per year of day or evening class instruction and paid on-the-job training with a sheet metal contractor. This is a "green" construction field that is growing due to the need for indoor air quality and energy efficiency compliance. The type of work performed can range from pressure testing, adjusting and balancing of duct systems for energy efficiency to commissioning and completing documentation of HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings. The work condition ranges from light physical activity to maneuvering into limited access areas with tools and equipment. Good communication skills are needed to interact with clients. Technicians are held to a code of conduct to assure quality measurements. The program offers a solid career opportunity with livable wages along with retirement and health benefits and provides a highly trained and skilled workforce for students/apprentices in the HVAC industry. Per the California Code of Regulations, this program is limited to students admitted to the Sheet Metal Local 104 & Bay Area Industry Training Fund's Test, Adjust, and Balancing (TAB) Technician Program.

The Air Conditioning Mechanic program is offered in partnership with Sheet Metal Local 104 and Bay Area Training Fund. This 5-year apprenticeship program provides students with in-class instruction and paid on-the-job training with a sheet metal contractor, in the service sector of the sheet metal and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. The students will perform scheduled maintenance and troubleshoot system problems while dealing directly with a variety of customers. The students utilize an understanding of refrigerant, electronic and pneumatic controls, filtration and duct systems to maintain safe and efficient system performance. Mechanics use test equipment to verify conditions, research manufacturer's data, and then adjust, repair and replace components as needed. Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Service Mechanics work on residential, light commercial and more often, complex commercial systems. Upgrade training is common in this occupation as more advanced and "greener" equipment is produced. Per the California Code of Regulations, this program is limited to students admitted to the Sheet Metal Local 104 & Bay Area Industry Training Fund's Air Conditioning Mechanic Program.

Learn more about the program on the Apprenticeship website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students are prepared with the skills and expertise to detail, fabricate and install a variety of sheet metal products in compliance with applicable standards and codes, aiming for optimum environmental and energy efficiency. These highly demanded skills are acquired through on-the-job training and lead to employment in the construction industry. After five years of classroom and work experience, students are recognized as journeypersons within the sheet metal industry.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of all course requirements and 6500 hours of related work experience, graduates will be recognized as specialists in the Sheet Metal Building Trades field. Depending upon the student's career interest and courses are taken, graduates may find employment as a: sheet metal worker, site foreman, superintendent, sheet metal shop fabricator, residential sheet metal journeyperson, sheet metal building inspector, welding inspector, sheet metal apprenticeship instructor, sheet metal detailer, sheet metal contractor, HVAC service technician, sheet metal shipyard worker, air conditioning specialist, or decking and siding.

Upon completion of the Test, Adjust and Balancing (TAB) Technician program, students will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Achievement in Test, Adjust and Balancing (TAB) Technician from Foothill College, an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), and a Test and Balance Certification from International Certification Board (ICB). Career opportunities include, but are not limited to Test, Adjust and Air Balancing technician; TABB certified supervisor; service technician; Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) inspector; sheet metal fabricator; compliance tester; entrepreneur; HVAC educator; business agent; and training coordinator.

Upon completion of the Air Conditioning Mechanic program, students will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Achievement in Air Conditioning Mechanic from Foothill College and an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). The graduates will be employable as HVAC Service Technician/Mechanic; HVAC Service Manager; HVAC Contractor; NATE Certified Air Conditioning Mechanic; Test, Adjust & Balancing Technician; Building Inspector; foreman; estimator/detailer; contractor; instructor; project manager and other related occupations.