We believe quality work starts with quality training
That means investing in people, not just filling positions.
High Road Training isn’t just about skills, it’s about standards. Our approach sets a higher bar for workforce development by prioritizing long-term career growth, fair wages, and ethical business practices that benefit everyone involved and the communities they work in.
What Is High Road HVAC Training?
High Road HVAC Training combines rigorous classroom education, state-approved hands-on training, and a clear pathway to long-term career advancement.
Our skilled and trained technicians learn from experienced instructors with decades of real-world industry knowledge across HVAC service, installation, Testing, Adjusting & Balancing (TAB), welding, duct fabrication, architectural sheet metal, and commercial building systems. Classroom instruction is reinforced through real-world field experience, allowing apprentices to immediately apply what they learn while working alongside experienced union contractors on active projects.
Unlike short-term online certifications or minimal-entry training programs, High Road Training is designed to develop highly skilled professionals capable of delivering safe, efficient, and high-performance HVAC systems throughout California communities.
Earn While You Learn
Our apprenticeship programs allow technicians to earn a living wage while receiving advanced technical education, helping students avoid massive student debt while building meaningful careers.
Technicians participate in both classroom instruction and state-approved hands-on training, progressing from foundational skills to advanced commercial HVAC system design, installation, diagnostics, indoor air quality, and energy-efficient building systems.
From precision welding to large-scale HVAC installations, apprentices gain the practical experience needed for a successful 30+ year career in the skilled trades.
State-Approved & Industry-Regulated Training
Our training programs are registered with and overseen by the State of California, ensuring technicians receive legitimate, comprehensive, and standardized education that meets state and federal requirements. State representatives help ensure training standards, workplace protections, and equal opportunity practices are upheld throughout the apprenticeship process.
Continuous Education & Career Advancement
Training does not stop after apprenticeship graduation.
Our skilled and trained technicians have access to advanced upgrade courses at no cost, allowing them to stay current with evolving HVAC technologies, energy codes, indoor air quality standards, building performance practices, and emerging heat pump systems.
These cutting-edge courses help technicians continually improve their knowledge and advance their careers while delivering higher quality workmanship for homeowners and building owners.
Education Beyond the Trade
Our training programs are linked with regional Community College Districts, allowing technicians to complete general education coursework and earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree alongside their trade certifications.
This means graduates can leave the program with:
Industry-recognized certifications
Real-world field experience
Advanced technical training
College credits and degree opportunities
A strong career without overwhelming student debt
At Skilled & Trained HVAC, we believe high-quality HVAC systems begin with high-quality training.
Valid Certifications Matter
In today’s world, almost anyone can create an online certification program. Unfortunately, many of these certifications require little more than watching videos or passing a simple online test. A certificate alone does not guarantee that a technician is properly trained or truly competent in the field.
That’s why our technicians hold individual certifications through the International Certification Board (ICB) (1), one of the most respected and independently accredited certification organizations in the HVAC industry.
The ICB is a personnel certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17024 by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) (2). ISO/IEC 17024 is the internationally recognized standard for personnel certification programs and is designed to ensure that certified individuals meet rigorous competency, testing, and ongoing qualification requirements.
Our technicians maintain certifications in the following disciplines:
Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor
Fire and Smoke Damper Technician
Indoor Air Quality Supervisor
Indoor Air Quality Technician
TABB Supervisor
TABB Technician
Smoke Control Systems Supervisor
Smoke Control Systems Technician
These certifications demonstrate verified technical knowledge, hands-on competency, and professional accountability , not simply attendance in an online course.
At Skilled & Trained HVAC, we believe homeowners and building owners deserve more than a licensed contractor or a generic online certificate. They deserve highly trained professionals with nationally accredited credentials and proven field expertise
(1) International Certification Board (ICB). (2025). ICB certified. https://www.icbcertified.org/
(2) “Personnel Credentialing.” ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), https://anab.ansi.org/accreds/personnel-credentialing/
Skilled & Trained Technicians Build Lifelong Careers
Skilled & Trained HVAC technicians are highly trained professionals who take pride in delivering quality workmanship, safety, comfort, and energy efficiency on every project.
Sheet Metal Workers are skilled craftspeople trained in a wide range of specialties, including:
HVAC installation and service
Welding and fabrication
Ductwork installation
Testing, Adjusting & Balancing (TAB)
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Refrigeration and industrial systems
Architectural sheet metal
Through state-approved apprenticeship programs, technicians receive both classroom instruction and hands-on field training while earning a paycheck and benefits through an “earn while you learn” model.
These programs prepare technicians for long-term careers — not just jobs — while developing the skills needed to deliver high-quality HVAC systems for homes and buildings throughout California.
Don’t confuse a contractor’s license with quality workmanship.
A contractor’s license simply means that someone within the company passed a written test with a 72%. In many cases, that person will never step foot in your project or perform the actual installation.
The true quality of an HVAC installation depends on the skill, training, and experience of the technician doing the work. At Skilled & Trained HVAC, we believe building and homeowners deserve qualified professionals , not just a licensed company.
What High Road Training Looks Like in Practice
Our curriculum blends classroom instruction with hands-on work, led by certified professionals with years in the field. Our technicians are taught how to troubleshoot, install, and maintain systems to meet California’s strictest codes ensuring the job gets done right, safely, and efficiently.
HVAC Sheet Metal Technician Apprenticeships available through
your region’s Sheet Metal Unions.
Henry Funcke
510-483-9035
smw104training.org/apply_now
Sacramento & Northern California Valley
Alex Tiechner
916-922-9381
sheetmetaltraining.comModesto & Vicinity
Mitch Koch
209-458-5842
sheetmetaltraining.com
(Choose Modesto on the Main Menu)
Fresno & Vicinity
Eric Priest
559-255-3665
fresnosheetmetal.com
John Kroon
805-642-2211
TCjatc.org
Max Lai
626-968-3340
socalsma.org
Lorenzo Miles
619-265-2758
https://smjatcsd.org/
Unfortunately, many heat pump HVAC systems are not installed correctly, preventing homeowners from receiving the energy savings, indoor comfort, air quality, and emissions reductions they were promised.
The problem is not new. A 2008 California Energy Commission (CEC) study(1) found that poor HVAC installation practices were widespread throughout the industry. The study reported that more than 50% of newly installed HVAC systems were not operating properly, while nearly 85% of replacement systems had installation-related performance problems. Researchers also found that improper installation can increase HVAC energy consumption by 20–30%.
Despite years of utility rebate programs and incentive efforts, many programs focused more on installation volume than installation quality; allowing poor workmanship and performance issues to continue across the market.
More recently, a 2022 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) review of 44 separate studies (2) again identified workforce quality and installation practices as major barriers to achieving expected HVAC performance.
The DOE review found that installation defects remain extremely common in refrigerant-based HVAC systems, including:
Excessive duct leakage
Poor airflow performance
Incorrect refrigerant charging
Improper system commissioning
According to the studies reviewed:
90–100% of systems required duct sealing or duct repairs
More than 50% of systems suffered from low airflow conditions
29–78% of systems were undercharged with refrigerant
4–50% of systems were overcharged with refrigerant
As a result, many HVAC systems delivered only 59–84% of their rated efficiency under real-world operating conditions.
The reality is simple: even the best HVAC equipment cannot perform properly if it is installed incorrectly.
A contractor’s license alone does not guarantee installation quality. The knowledge, training, and workmanship of the technician performing the installation ultimately determine whether a system delivers the efficiency, comfort, reliability, and indoor air quality homeowners expect.
At Skilled & Trained HVAC, we believe installation quality matters just as much as the equipment itself.
Messenger, M. (2008). Strategic Plan to Reduce the Energy Impact of Air Conditioners. California Energy Commission Staff Report. CEC-400-2008-010. p. 20. & California Energy Commission, Strategic Plan to Reduce the Energy Impact of Air Conditioners (June 2008), CEC-400-2008-010 at p. 5
Residential HVAC Installation Practices: A Review of Research Findings. (2022). . US Department of Energy. https://bsesc.energy.gov/sources/residential-hvac-installation-practices-review-research-findings
Why Proper HVAC Installation Matters More Than the Equipment Itself
WHY Skilled & Trained CONTRACTORS ARE THE TOP CHOICE For Californians
We Make Finding Qualified, Compliant Contractors Simple
Every contractor in our network is carefully vetted, licensed, bonded, and certified. They provide family-supporting wages and benefits, participate in ongoing technical and safety training, stay current with regional codes and standards, and remain actively involved in local training programs.
Our contractors exceed California’s strict workforce, safety, and compliance standards, giving you access to reliable, highly trained HVAC professionals without the guesswork or risk.
-
Local, Certified Workforce
Our contractors actively participate in regional apprenticeship training centers and employ technicians from communities throughout California to help meet the state’s growing HVAC and clean energy workforce needs for years to come.
-
Compliance You Can Count On
Our workforce is trained in regionally adopted building, energy, and safety codes to help ensure your project is compliant, properly installed, and safe for building occupants. Our contractors stay current with California’s evolving HVAC, heat pump, and energy efficiency requirements so projects are completed to the highest professional and regulatory standards.
-
Vetted, Insured Contractors
Fully licensed, insured, and bonded, our contractors are prepared to deliver safe, reliable, and professional HVAC service for residential, multifamily, and commercial buildings throughout California.
-
Proven Experience With Complex Facilities
Sheet Metal Workers have proudly served California’s residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC industry for more than 100 years.
From single-family homes to large commercial buildings and complex industrial facilities, our highly skilled HVAC technicians perform the full range of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fabrication, testing, balancing, and service work needed to ensure systems achieve their intended design, performance, safety, and energy efficiency goals.
-
Access to Rebates & Incentive Programs
Our contractors can help you identify and combine available rebate and incentive programs to maximize the financial assistance available for your HVAC heat pump project.
Just as importantly, our contractors provide transparent, competitive pricing — helping prevent the common situation where a “$5,000 rebate” simply results in a contractor increasing the project price by the same amount.
We also offer our own Skilled & Trained rebate program as a thank you for choosing contractors who invest in local communities, workforce training, and California’s working families.
-
The Easiest Way to Hire the Right HVAC Contractor
With most HVAC projects, the person giving you the estimate sounds experienced and knowledgeable. But once the work begins, you quickly realize the true quality of the project depends on the technicians actually performing the installation , not the salesperson.
At Skilled & Trained California HVAC Pros, we make it easy to find contractors who employ highly trained, certified, and properly skilled technicians from the start.
Search, compare, and connect with qualified HVAC professionals in seconds, and protect your project with confidence knowing your system is being installed by technicians trained to meet California’s highest workforce, safety, and energy standards.
-
Yes. Skilled & Trained HVAC professionals are available for single-family homes, multifamily housing, and light commercial projects throughout California.
The sheet metal industry includes everything from large mechanical contractors specializing in commercial and industrial projects to smaller member-owned “mom and pop” HVAC companies that proudly serve local homeowners and communities.
Whether you need a heat pump installation, HVAC replacement, ductwork, indoor air quality improvements, or system servicing for your home, there are qualified Skilled & Trained contractors available to meet your needs. Find a residential Contractor now.
-
Yes. While specifics vary by region, our 13+ California training centers operate as state-accredited apprenticeship programs and are connected with local community college districts.
Apprentices earn significant college credits toward an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree while completing their technical HVAC and sheet metal training.
These are not low-quality, for-profit training centers. Our programs are built, maintained, and operated by experienced Skilled & Trained contractors and technicians to ensure the next generation of HVAC heat pump professionals receives real-world, industry-driven education that meets California’s growing technical and energy needs.
-
Our certifications are issued through the International Certification Board (ICB), a nationally recognized leader in professional certifications for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.
ICB certification provides assurance that certified professionals have demonstrated advanced technical knowledge, competency, and industry qualifications. These certifications help verify that technicians meet rigorous professional standards for safety, system performance, indoor air quality, and HVAC testing and balancing.
The International Certification Board (ICB) is a personnel certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17024 by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). This international accreditation standard helps ensure certification programs meet strict requirements for testing, competency evaluation, and ongoing professional qualifications.
ICB certifications include:
Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor
Fire and Smoke Damper Technician
Indoor Air Quality Supervisor
Indoor Air Quality Technician
TABB Supervisor
TABB Technician
Smoke Control Systems Supervisor
Smoke Control Systems Technician
ICB-certified professionals are recognized throughout the HVAC industry as highly trained, qualified, and reliable technicians committed to quality workmanship and continuing education.
Learn more about the International Certification Board (ICB):
https://www.icbcertified.org/ -
While regional contractors and technicians continuously improve training to meet local workforce and market needs, the foundation of our curriculum comes from the International Training Institute (ITI).
The ITI is jointly sponsored by SMART (the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) and SMACNA (the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association). Together, these organizations support apprenticeship and advanced career training for the sheet metal and HVAC industries throughout the United States and Canada.
More than 14,000 apprentices are currently registered in ITI-supported training programs across North America.
The ITI develops standardized, industry-driven curriculum and training materials used by apprenticeship training centers in specialized disciplines including:
Residential HVAC
Commercial HVAC
HVAC Service & Refrigeration
Testing, Adjusting & Balancing (TAB)
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Architectural Sheet Metal
Industrial Welding & Fabrication
Roofing and Sign Industry applications
ITI training programs are designed to combine classroom education with hands-on field experience to ensure technicians develop real-world technical skills, safety knowledge, and workmanship standards required by today’s HVAC industry.
In addition to developing curriculum, ITI also:
Conducts instructor “train-the-trainer” programs
Develops advanced technical training materials
Researches emerging HVAC technologies
Supports continuing education and retraining
Integrates modern technologies such as virtual and augmented reality into workforce development.
This industry-led approach helps ensure training stays current with evolving building technologies, energy efficiency standards, indoor air quality requirements, and California’s growing demand for highly skilled HVAC heat pump technicians.
Learn more about the International Training Institute (ITI): https://www.sheetmetal-iti.org/
-
No. Apprentices do not pay direct tuition costs for their education, books, classroom instruction, or lab training.
In fact, even after graduation, technicians can return to their training centers at any time to take advanced upgrade courses and earn additional certifications at no cost, helping them stay current with the latest HVAC heat pump technologies, energy standards, and industry advancements.
This training model is possible because skilled sheet metal workers and contractors invest in the next generation of technicians by contributing funds from every hour worked to support apprenticeship education and workforce development.
Unlike traditional college programs, apprentices work while attending school. This allows them to immediately apply classroom and lab instruction in real-world field settings, reinforcing their education through hands-on experience every day.
Apprentices earn family-supporting wages and benefits throughout their training, meaning they graduate with valuable career skills, real work experience, and little to no student debt. Instead of falling behind financially while in school, they are already building stable careers, supporting their families, and entering the middle class while they learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality installation while supporting your local workforce
Too many HVAC vendors cut corners, delay projects, or leave customers struggling to keep up with California’s constantly evolving energy and building code requirements.
Our network strengthens local communities by connecting homeowners and building owners with highly trained, certified technicians employed by High Road contractors who understand that true energy savings, indoor comfort, thermal health, and decarbonization goals can only be achieved when HVAC heat pump systems are installed correctly.
A high-performance heat pump only delivers its intended results when it is designed, installed, tested, and commissioned by properly trained professionals. That’s why our contractors invest in ongoing workforce training, certifications, safety education, and real-world technical experience , ensuring systems achieve their full design intent from day one.