Training
Apprenticeship training, continuing education, math prep, and customized instruction for HVAC and sheet metal contractors.
A stronger workforce is a stronger contractor.
Training is an investment in safety, productivity, employee retention, morale, and long-term competitiveness. ACTA gives contractors a practical way to develop employees while helping new workers enter the trade.
ACTA's programs support job readiness, field performance, and continued growth in the HVAC and sheet metal industries.
Apprenticeship, HVAC/R service training, continuing education, and customized training.
ACTA offers training options for apprentice applicants, walk-in applicants seeking entry into a trade, experienced employees, and contractors who need company-specific instruction.
Commercial Sheet Metal Apprenticeship
A four-year California and federal apprenticeship program for registered apprentices learning installation, fabrication, blueprint reading, and journeyman-level field skills.
Need apprentices or employee enrollment?
ACTA identifies the apprenticeship program as a contractor source for trained apprentices. Contractors can request an apprentice or ask about enrolling employees.
Contact: Tony Creighton, tcreighton@actrade.ac or 1-888-486-4464 x. 103
Interested in apprenticeship?
Individuals interested in ACTA's apprenticeship program should contact ACTA for enrollment guidance and eligibility steps before attempting to enroll.
Contact ACTAAccelerated Apprenticeship Training
For journeyman-level employees when contractor and individual requirements are met, including Deluxe Membership and 10+ years of trade experience with a challenge exam.
View accelerated trainingPre-Apprenticeship Training
A 12-week introduction to the HVAC sheet metal trade, followed by one 8-hour hands-on lab after week 12. Free to walk-in students and contractors.
View pre-apprenticeshipMath Prep Class
A trade math refresher for apprentice applicants covering whole numbers, fractions, and geometry. The published class structure lists three 3-hour classes plus a 2-hour test.
View math prepHVAC/R Service Technician Program
A two-year service training program covering electrical theory, refrigeration principles, residential and commercial service, maintenance, advanced HVAC/R systems, and certification preparation.
View HVAC/R programLive online learning reinforced by field assignments and lab work.
ACTA's Online Campus gives students live instructor interaction, class activities, questions, and applied learning. Hands-on assignments and lab training help connect online instruction to real jobsite needs.
Live instruction
Students interact live with instructors instead of relying only on static self-study material.Hands-on assignments
ACTA partners with contractors to reinforce practical skills through structured work assignments.Lab training
Apprentices complete hands-on training, exams, drafting, and fabrication with ACTA instructors.Completion milestones
Eligible apprentices can earn a Journeyman's Card and Certificate of Completion after class, work-hour, and exam requirements.Skill-building classes for contractors and employees.
ACTA's continuing education program supports contractors and employees who want focused training without entering an apprenticeship path. Members may be eligible to enroll employees at no cost as part of membership; confirm with ACTA staff.
Designing an Efficient Duct System
Basics of good duct design, including proper fitting selection and duct sizing.
Foreman Job Management
Job management techniques ranging from communication to time management.
Detailing Jobsite Fittings
Proper detailing and submittal practices to reduce field/shop fabrication miscommunication.
Job Layout and Ordering
Procedures to reduce wasted time and prevent over- or under-ordering duct and materials.
Published class pricing for members not eligible for free enrollment: Deluxe Member - $249; Full Member - $282; Associate Member - $332; Non-member - $332. Dates, availability, member eligibility, and pricing should be confirmed with ACTA before registration.
Training built around a contractor's specific workforce needs.
ACTA offers customized training for contractors that do not need apprenticeship training but want to train employees. Contractors can choose online training only or add hands-on training. All online training is live with an instructor.
Contact: Duke Diltz, ddiltz@actrade.ac or 1-888-486-4464 x. 105
Field Installation
Safety, trade orientation, field tools, math, mechanical equipment, duct installation, metal types, codes, fire dampers, and low voltage basics.
Fabrication / Layout
Shop safety, sheet metal processes, principles of layout, triangulation, radial and parallel line development, soldering, roof flashings, and specialty fabrication.
Foreman / Supervisor
Scope and specifications, submittals, problem solving, daily reports, RFIs, change orders, as-builts, HVAC take-off, professional development, TAB, LEED, and tie-ins.
Service Technician Training
Electrical theory, refrigeration principles, residential and commercial service and maintenance, industrial chiller servicing, and safe refrigerant handling.