Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104's Bay Area Industry Training Fund operates a multi-employer apprenticeship training trust, delivering five sheet metal apprenticeship programs across four Bay Area facilities (163,000+ sq ft), funded by union signatory contractor contributions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersFairfield, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 does
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 operates the Bay Area Industry Training Fund, a multi-employer apprenticeship training trust fund serving the Bay Area's unionized sheet metal workforce. Established under Local 104's heritage dating to 1885, the fund runs five active apprenticeship programs — three five-year sheet metal programs and two two-year specialist programs — delivered free of tuition to apprentices, with operating costs funded by mandatory contractor contributions to the union trust. The fund operates four training facilities totaling more than 163,000 square feet across San Jose, Fairfield, Livermore, and Castroville, supported by a small staff of approximately 13 instructors and coordinators plus administrative personnel.
The technical curriculum centers on traditional sheet metal fabrication and HVAC, but has been progressively extended into higher-growth technical adjacencies: SMQ33 architectural wall panel (rainscreen) certification, Low GWP/A2L refrigerant handling aligned with California's HVAC transition, Dusty Robotics field-layout training for construction-tech automation, and Stratus GPT AI-tool literacy. Apprentices rotate through classroom instruction and hands-on shop work, receiving industry-recognized credentials aligned with national standards from SMART, SMACNA, ITI, NEMI, and TABB, with college credit pathways through Foothill College.
The business model is not a transactional revenue model but a closed-loop labor-market intermediary: signatory contractors contribute to the trust based on hours worked; the trust funds facilities, instructors, and curriculum; graduates are placed with signatory contractors, reinforcing the contractor-union relationship. Revenue is therefore best understood as the trust fund's annual operating budget, which scales with member headcount, contractor hours worked, and contribution rate per hour. The fund's competitive position is anchored in its multi-year apprenticeship duration, certified instructor workforce, and geographic reach across the Bay Area — assets that competitors outside the union structure cannot easily replicate.
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
- Legal name
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 – Bay Area Industry Training Fund
- Website
- https://smw104training.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 104's Bay Area Industry Training Fund operates a multi-employer apprenticeship training trust, delivering five sheet metal apprenticeship programs across four Bay Area facilities (163,000+ sq ft), funded by union signatory contractor contributions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Apprenticeship and Trade Training
- NAICS
- Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sheet Metal Fabrication & Light-Gauge Metalwork Training (EDAOADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Arc Welding (SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/GTAW) Training (EDAOADAA), Ornamental Ironwork & Artistic Metalwork Training (EDAOADAO), Aluminum, Stainless & Specialty Metals Welding Training (EDAOADAL)
Keywords
Where Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fairfield
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Apprenticeship Training Fund: Earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship model funded through union trust funds and contractor contributions. Apprentices receive paid on-the-job training while learning skills. The program is free for apprentices to attend - they earn wages while training.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Five-year Building Trades Sheet Metal Apprenticeship - free with paid on-the-job training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Five-year Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship - free with paid on-the-job training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Five-year Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) Apprenticeship - free with paid on-the-job training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Two-year Air Conditioning Specialist Apprenticeship - free with paid on-the-job training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Two-year Service Technician Apprenticeship - free with paid on-the-job training |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 Bay Area Industry Training Fund operates registered union apprenticeship programs in building trades sheet metal, air conditioning mechanics, and testing/adjusting/balancing (TAB), delivered through four regional training facilities across the San Francisco Bay Area. The fund offers free, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships spanning two to five years, combined with a Foothill College partnership that lets apprentices earn a free associate degree, and continuing education in welding, BIM, and emerging HVAC technologies.
Product overview
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 Bay Area Industry Training Fund operates a comprehensive union apprenticeship training ecosystem with five core apprenticeship programs: Building Trades Sheet Metal (five-year), Building Trades Service/Air Conditioning Mechanic (five-year), Testing/Adjusting/Balancing/TAB (five-year), Air Conditioning Specialist (two-year), and Service Technician (two-year). The organization runs four training facilities (San Jose, Livermore, Fairfield, Castroville) totaling over 163,000 square feet of training space, with certified TAB labs, AWS-accredited welding facilities, and a 5,000-square-foot clean room. Supporting programs include pre-apprentice classes, welding certification, detailing classes, continuing education, and a Foothill College partnership for associate degrees. The training incorporates modern construction technology including Stratus GPT, Trimble Total Station, Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter, Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, and Procore. The organization also offers specialized programs for veterans and trade preparation program graduates seeking direct entry into apprenticeships.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Building Trades Sheet Metal Apprenticeship (Five-Year Program) A five-year registered apprenticeship covering fabrication and installation of ductwork, industrial welding, architectural sheet metal, computer-aided drafting, construction technology (Trimble, Dusty Robotics, Stratus, ProCore), 3D BIM detailing, job coordination, supervision, and OSHA 30 certification. Open to individuals seeking careers in construction tech, HVAC, fire life safety, and architectural sheet metal.
- Building Trades Service / Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship (Five-Year Program) A five-year program preparing apprentices to diagnose and repair residential, commercial, and heavy industrial HVAC systems, including installation, maintenance, repair, start-ups, controls, refrigeration, electrical safety, and customer relations. Targets individuals pursuing HVAC service technician careers.
- Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) Apprenticeship (Five-Year Program) A five-year program training technicians to adjust HVAC systems to designer specifications, including pressure testing, duct system balancing for energy efficiency, commissioning and documentation, TAB tools, fire life safety components, and certification ethics. For individuals pursuing TAB technician careers.
- Air Conditioning Specialist Apprenticeship (Two-Year Program) A two-year introductory program covering residential, light commercial, and custom home HVAC systems including gutters, downspouts, and flashings. Graduates may continue into the five-year building trades apprenticeship. No high school diploma required.
- Service Technician Apprenticeship (Two-Year Program) A two-year introduction to the service side of the industry covering maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of residential and light commercial HVAC systems. Graduates may pathway into the five-year building trades service apprenticeship.
- Welding Certification Training AWS-accredited welding certification training delivered at training facilities in San Jose, Livermore, Fairfield, and Castroville. Includes GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and SMAW processes with preparation for AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials.
- Continuing Education Classes Ongoing professional development and skills upgrade classes for existing members covering heat pump certification, Low GWP/A2L refrigerant certification, and architectural wall panel installation.
- Pre-Apprentice Classes Pre-apprenticeship training classes preparing applicants for the main apprenticeship programs with foundational skills and knowledge.
- Detailing Classes Training in detailing using 3D building information modeling software and detailed duct assembly creation, including Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and CAMduct.
- Foothill College Associate Degree Partnership Partnership with Foothill Community College enabling apprentices to earn a free associate degree while training, with most college credits awarded for skills and knowledge learned in the apprenticeship.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 200 different types of outreach events performed in 2023 alone
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature5 records
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- International Training Institute (ITI)coreThe International Training Institute is the educational arm for the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, providing curriculum, training materials, and national standards for apprenticeship programs including Local 104.
- SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers)coreInternational union representing sheet metal workers. Local 104 is a chartered local of SMART. Union provides labor representation and supports training initiatives including the Bias and Belonging program.
- SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association)coreNational trade association for sheet metal and HVAC contractors. Bay Area SMACNA chapter partners with Local 104 on joint apprenticeship training through JATC programs.
- National Energy Management Institute (NEMI)coreProvides certification for TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing) labs and technicians. NEMI evaluates and certifies training facilities and develops industry standards.
- Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau (TABB)coreIndustry certification organization for TAB technicians and supervisors. Local 104 training facilities provide TABB certification preparation.
- Foothill CollegecoreCommunity college partnership allowing apprentices to earn a free associate degree. College credits are awarded for skills and knowledge learned in the apprenticeship program.
- Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT)minorProvides occupational health resources, training, and support for sheet metal workers including mental health and substance abuse programs.
- California Apprenticeship ProgramsminorState apprenticeship initiative supporting registered apprenticeship programs including those operated by Local 104 JATCs.
- Bay Area SMACNAcoreRegional chapter of SMACNA representing sheet metal contractors in the Bay Area. Contractors hire apprentices from Local 104 JATCs.
- Union EAPminorEmployee assistance program providing counseling and support services to union members and their families.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- United Association (UA) Pipefitter/Plumber Apprenticeship Programs: The UA's local apprenticeship programs use the same union/contractor jointly-trusted training-fund structure as Local 104, with multi-year earn-while-you-learn tracks and certifications. Comparable in operational model and competing for similar skilled-trade applicants at Bay Area career fairs, though focused on plumbing/pipefitting rather than sheet metal.
- SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association): The national trade association for sheet metal and HVAC contractors that co-sponsors JATCs like Local 104 together with SMART. Highly comparable from an ecosystem standpoint – the contractors who hire Local 104 apprentices are SMACNA members – though SMACNA itself operates no training programs.
- International Training Institute (ITI): The training arm of the U.S. and Canadian sheet metal and air conditioning industry that develops curriculum, training materials, and national standards used by every JATC including Local 104. Functions as a quasi-supplier/ecosystem partner rather than a competitor, since Local 104 and ITI jointly deliver apprenticeship programs.
- IBEW-NECA Apprenticeship Programs (Local JATCs): International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers joint apprenticeship training programs that use the same union/contractor training-fund structure as Local 104 to train electricians; comparable in operational model (JATC, earn-while-you-learn, multi-year curriculum, certifications) and trade-school positioning but in the electrical trade rather than sheet metal/HVAC.
Direct peers
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 105 (JATC, Los Angeles): A fellow SMART Sheet Metal Workers JATC operating apprenticeship programs in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, providing training in sheet metal, HVAC, welding, and TAB. Directly comparable to Local 104 in mission, structure (union/contractor jointly-trusted training fund), and curriculum scope, differing primarily in geography.
Emerging players
- RSI (Refrigeration School, Inc.): A for-profit HVAC/R training school operating in Phoenix and other metro areas, delivering shorter, credentialed programs in HVAC, refrigeration, and welding that compete for the same prospective skilled-trade candidates as Local 104's apprenticeship, but with a fundamentally different tuition-based business model and faster time-to-credential.
Broad incumbents
- Lincoln Tech: A multi-campus for-profit vocational education operator with HVAC, welding, and electrical programs across the U.S.; competes in the same trades-training market as Local 104 but at a much broader scale, with tuition-funded short-term credentials rather than earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships.
- SMART International (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers): The international union that charters Local 104; SMART sets national labor policy and the broad industry framework for all U.S./Canadian sheet metal worker locals, including contract standards, organizing, and advocacy that shape the demand Local 104's training graduates ultimately serve.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance16 records
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
What does Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 do?
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 Bay Area Industry Training Fund operates registered union apprenticeship programs in building trades sheet metal, air conditioning mechanics, and testing/adjusting/balancing (TAB), delivered through four regional training facilities across the San Francisco Bay Area. The fund offers free, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships spanning two to five years, combined with a Foothill College partnership that lets apprentices earn a free associate degree, and continuing education in welding, BIM, and emerging HVAC technologies.
Is Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 a public or private company?
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 founded?
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 based?
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 is headquartered in Fairfield, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 make money?
One revenue line is on record: apprenticeship Training Fund.
Who are Sheet Metal Workers Local 104's main competitors?
Others on record are United Association (UA) Pipefitter/Plumber Apprenticeship Programs, SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association), International Training Institute (ITI) and IBEW-NECA Apprenticeship Programs (Local JATCs). Sheet Metal Workers Local 105 (JATC, Los Angeles) is listed as a direct peer. RSI (Refrigeration School, Inc.) is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Lincoln Tech and SMART International (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers).
Does Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sheet Metal Workers Local 104.
What industry is Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 in?
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104's product category is Apprenticeship and Trade Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOADAD, Sheet Metal Fabrication & Light-Gauge Metalwork Training, with a secondary code of EDAOADAA, Arc Welding (SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/GTAW) Training. Its NAICS code is 611513.