An HVAC Service Technician performs services in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning service. They can install, troubleshoot, repair, maintain air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating equipment for commercial and industrial applications. They can also use computers to monitor, control and troubleshoot HVAC systems from a remote location.
| Length | 60 months |
| Benefits for Apprentices | Medical, dental and vision care for employee and dependants, pension, vacation immediately; college credits as courses are completed |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Education prerequisites | High School Graduate, GED or equivalent |
| Physical requirements | Must be able to perform physical tasks and activities related to trade |
| Additional requirements | Pass drug screen prior to employment DMV printout Proof of being 18 years of age or older at the time of the pre-qualifying test |
| Written or oral entry exams | Written entrance exam, includes math |
| Subjects studied by Apprentices | Trades Math Safety-CPR Welding and Soldering Tools and Equipment Trade Orientation Orientation to Green Construction Practices Pattern Development & Drafting Plans & Specifications, Codes & Standards California Mechanical Code, LEED Awareness, Title 24 and SMACNA standards Test, Balance, Service and Repair, Energy Costs and Efficient HVAC Systems Principles of Air Flow and Efficient Duct Design Fasteners - Hangers/Seismic Requirements Current Fabrication/Installation Methods and Materials Principles of Supervision. |
Contact: Northern California Valley Sheet Metal Industry JATC. 3665 Bleckely Street, Mather, CA 95655. Ako Monteiro.
Applications & Entrance Exam
Applications for the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program entrance exam are accepted online at www.sheetmetaltraining.com.
The entrance exam is the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and is proctored once a month, on the second Thursday of each month. Space is limited. Once your application has been reviewed and processed, you will be notified of the next available test date and time by email.
Applicants must receive an AFQT score of 40 or higher on the ASVAB to pass the entrance exam. Applicants who receive a passing score and meet all other program requirements become qualified applicants and are eligible to seek employment with a Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 signatory contractor.
Becoming a Pre-Apprentice
Qualified applicants are responsible for seeking employment with a Local 104 signatory contractor. Once hired, qualified applicants initially begin employment as pre-apprentices. During this time, pre-apprentices have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment, dependability, work ethic, and ability to succeed in the sheet metal trade.
Employment as a pre-apprentice does not automatically constitute acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program.
Becoming an Apprentice
A pre-apprentice may be sponsored by their employer for advancement into the Apprenticeship Program. Once sponsored and formally indentured (accepted) by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), the individual becomes an apprentice and begins attending apprenticeship classes.
Advancement from pre-apprentice to apprentice is merit-based, and applicants should understand that successfully passing the entrance exam and obtaining employment do not guarantee acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program.
How do new apprentices get their first job? Applicants must seek their own employment from participating employers, after meeting the qualifications to enter the apprenticeship program.
Additional information: Northern California Valley Sheet Metal Industry JATC, Heating and Air Conditioning Training Center.
