PROGRAM INFORMATION

Imagine being a real part of the Bay Area’s future. Imagine a job where you can work with your hands, where you can be creative or technical, all without a college degree. Imagine a job where you can experience a work/life balance while leading California and the country in environmental improvements.

Now imagine it’s not just a job, it’s your career — your future.

A career as a union sheet metal worker is for everyone. And we mean it. If you’re seeking a career in a growing field that values diversity, you’ve come to the right place. There is no gender pay gap in unionized sheet metal — union jobs for women pay the same as they do for men. In fact, women working in union sheet metal receive higher wages than they may in most traditional blue-collar careers.

Imagine being a real part of the Bay Area’s future. Imagine a job where you can work with your hands, where you can be creative or technical, all without a college degree. Imagine a job where you can experience a work/life balance while leading California and the country in environmental improvements.

Now imagine it’s not just a job, it’s your career — your future.

A career as a union sheet metal worker is for everyone. And we mean it. If you’re seeking a career in a growing field that values diversity, you’ve come to the right place. There is no gender pay gap in unionized sheet metal — union jobs for women pay the same as they do for men. In fact, women working in union sheet metal receive higher wages than they may in most traditional blue-collar careers.

What do union sheet metal workers do?

Union sheet metal workers are:

Service technicians for residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Welders
Air balancers who keep buildings comfortable and protect occupants in event of fire or smoke
Designers who plan and create complex HVAC systems for everything from office buildings to major sports arenas
Fabricators who create and install their own ductwork
Artisans who create, design and install aesthetic architectural panels and stainless steel to make beautiful and functional spaces
Experts in energy efficiency and environmental design
Leaders in the industry who work with state and national government on projects that affect California and the United States

Apprenticeship is a centuries-old method of teaching a trade — mentors instruct apprentices in the classroom, and these apprentices earn a livable wage while also working on job sites. For far too long college has been the only option encouraged as a path to high-paying careers. As an apprentice at Local 104, apprentices will learn skills that set them up for secure jobs and a career — not just a job — for a lifetime. It is possible to have a career, a good job, without a college education.

Local 104 Training Fund offers five-year apprenticeship programs in building trades sheet metal, air conditioning mechanic and testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) technician.

From the first day of the paid apprenticeship, students receive health benefits, typically also for a spouse and children, and pension benefits that help with retirement. Once you graduate from the apprenticeship, the sky is the limit. Union sheet metal workers can advance in their careers to become part-time and full-time instructors, job site leaders, business owners, project managers, system designers and planners, union leaders and more.

About Our Programs

Building Trades Sheet Metal Apprenticeship (five-year program)

This is the broadest and most popular program, with the most work hours available — and, therefore, the most opportunities for new apprentices. The program encompasses a variety of physically demanding skills necessary in commercial construction. A high school diploma or GED is required.

Building Trades Service/Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship (five-year program)

This program prepares apprentices to diagnose and repair problems in HVAC systems. A high school diploma or GED is required, and it is a good fit for people with a technical nature who enjoy troubleshooting.

The program involves some physical activity/heavy lifting.

Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) Apprenticeship (five-year program)

TAB work involves adjusting HVAC systems to work at designer’s specifications, keeping building occupants comfortable and safe. A strong math background is recommended, as well as communication skills to work with customers. Physical activity can vary, and apprentices will need to be able to maneuver with tools/equipment in limited access areas.

A high school diploma or GED is required.

Air Conditioning Specialist Apprenticeship (two-year program)

This program introduces apprentices to residential, light commercial and custom home HVAC systems including gutters, downspouts and flashings. A high school diploma is not required, but applicants must have a state-recognized photo ID.

After completion, apprentices can continue their pathway into the five-year building trades apprenticeship.

Service Technician Apprenticeship (two-year program)

This program introduces apprentices to the service side of the industry. A high school diploma is not required, but a strong mechanical background and good communication skills are recommended. After completion, apprentices can continue their pathway into the five-year building trades service apprenticeship.

Interested in our program?

Apply Now!

Interested in our program?

Apply Now!

Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 Bay Area Industry Training Fund is recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as Energy Skilled in Heat Pump Installation, Heat Pump Comfort Advising, and Heat Pump Water Heater Installation.