Sheet Metal Workers Local 105 stands as a powerhouse of skill, discipline, and pride in the Southern California construction industry. Built on a rigorous 5-year apprenticeship program, our members are trained to master every aspect of the trade—designing, fabricating, installing, and maintaining HVAC and architectural sheet metal systems with precision and expertise. From advanced air balancing and TABB certification to service training and structural welding in both light and heavy gauge, work on Tenant Improvement and Retrofit projects, or in one of our many production shops. Local 105 members don’t just meet industry standards, they set them.
Our work spans the spaces that matter most—hospitals, schools, commercial high-rises, and industrial facilities—delivering unmatched craftsmanship, safety, and efficiency on every project. We are committed to excellence not only in what we build, but in how we build it: on time, on budget, and with the professionalism that defines union labor.
Through strong wages, top-tier benefits, and continuous education, we invest in our workforce so they remain leaders in an ever-evolving industry. When you partner with Sheet Metal Workers Local 105, you’re choosing a team driven by pride, powered by training, and dedicated to building the future the right way.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and as a Sheet Metal Worker you’ll work on large-scale mechanical systems that control climate and air quality in major commercial settings like schools, hospitals, airports, factories, and office buildings. This career puts you in a fast-paced, hands-on environment alongside skilled tradespeople, where you help build and maintain systems that are essential to comfort, safety, and clean air for people from all walks of life. With strong training and support through the union, HVAC offers a clear path for growth and specialization, with opportunities to advance into roles such as installer, fabricator, welder, foreman, and project manager.
Architectural sheet metal blends precision craftsmanship with creative design, making it one of the most visually impactful areas of the trade. As a member you’ll learn how to properly fasten and join materials, account for expansion and contraction, and seal systems to control moisture ensuring both the durability and aesthetic appeal of a building. Whether working on large-scale commercial and industrial projects or detailed residential jobs, your work will play a key role in shaping the finished look of structures. Career paths in this field include installer, fabricator, solderer, foreman, designer, and project manager, offering a clear path for growth and leadership in the industry.
A Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) technician is a highly specialized HVAC professional responsible for ensuring that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems perform exactly as designed—efficiently, quietly, and safely. These technicians play a critical role in optimizing building performance by precisely measuring airflow, water flow, and temperature using advanced diagnostic instruments. Through careful adjustment of dampers, fans, valves, and pumps, they balance systems to achieve proper distribution of air and water across all areas of a building, ensuring occupant comfort and energy efficiency. TAB technicians also troubleshoot system deficiencies, identifying performance issues such as uneven airflow, pressure imbalances, or energy losses, and implement corrective solutions. In addition to their hands-on work, they compile detailed reports that document system performance, verify compliance with engineering specifications and building codes, and provide essential data for engineers, contractors, and building owners. Opportunities in this field include: Energy management, Indoor air quality, Building systems commissioning, Sound and vibration testing, Fire life safety control systems, HVAC installation or system controls, System design, Project management or facility management, and Clean room work or certification.
Service technicians play a critical role in keeping HVAC systems running efficiently and reliably in both residential and commercial buildings. They inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure proper performance, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. This work involves troubleshooting mechanical and electrical components, performing routine maintenance, and responding to service calls to address system issues quickly and safely. In addition to HVAC servicing, technicians are also skilled in assembling, fastening, and installing metal products such as ductwork and system components, ensuring they are properly fitted and sealed according to specifications. Their expertise combines hands-on mechanical ability with technical knowledge, making them essential to maintaining comfortable, safe, and functional environments.
Sheet metal products plays a vital role in modern kitchens, forming the backbone of many essential appliances and work surfaces. Skilled sheet metal workers who specialize in this area are responsible for producing, fabricating, assembling, and installing a wide range of kitchen equipment designed for durability, hygiene, and efficiency. From ovens and stoves to stainless steel prep tables, countertops, shelving, and ventilation hoods, sheet metal is chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning. These professionals carefully measure, cut, bend, and join metal materials to meet precise specifications, ensuring that each piece fits seamlessly within the kitchen layout and complies with safety and health standards. Their craftsmanship not only supports the functionality of commercial and residential kitchens but also contributes to a clean, professional appearance that can withstand the demands of daily use.
Detailers play a key role in turning HVAC designs into precise, buildable plans that guide fabrication and installation. Using a variety of applications and software—most commonly computer-aided design (CAD) programs—they create detailed drawings that outline how ductwork and other sheet metal components will be fabricated in the shop and assembled in the field. These drawings include exact measurements, material specifications, and layout instructions to ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout the project. In addition to digital drafting, strong sketching skills are valuable for quickly communicating ideas, field adjustments, or conceptual layouts. Detailers regularly collaborate with foremen, project managers, and field crews to verify that plans are practical, code-compliant, and optimized for installation. A CAD Detailer also focuses on designing systems that minimize material waste, reduce labor time, and improve overall workflow, ultimately helping projects stay on schedule and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
