Manteca, CA · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
The Backyard Shop exists to restore the ability to build things.
We provide the tools, training, and environment where engineers, machinists, and builders can design, fabricate, and launch real hardware.
By combining advanced manufacturing infrastructure with apprenticeship-driven education and a builder-focused incubator, we are rebuilding the local knowledge and capability required to make complex physical systems again.
The workforce trains here. Hardware teams scale here. The community builds here.
This is not a concept space. It's loud. It's active. And things leave here finished.
American manufacturing doesn't come back by talking about it. It comes back by building.And this is where that happens.
Start here
Pick the path that matches your immediate need. We will route you to the right team.
Prototype Shop
Ship a Prototype
CNC, casting, fabrication, and 3D printing with documented inspection. RFQ turnaround in 48 hours.
Get a QuoteApprenticeships
Train With Us
Earn documented manufacturing skills through real production work. Apprenticeship-structured training inside an active fabrication shop.
Start TrainingCoworking Space
Scale Your Hardware
Coworking and incubator space for teams building physical products. Shop access, mentorship, and proximity to real manufacturing.
Apply NowFabrication Lab
Make Something
Public makerspace with professional tools. Classes, memberships, and supervised shop time for builders of all skill levels.
See Tools & ClassesThe humans behind the shop
Meet the team that keeps the tools running and the training on track.
Our Impact
3
Students trained
42
Hours of shop time
2
Prototype projects shipped
1
Hardware teams supported
From the shop floor
What we're actively working on right now.
Factory-OS
ActiveInternal manufacturing operating system being developed and actively used inside the shop to manage engineering, fabrication, and quality work.
Phase: Continuous development
CNC Training Fixtures
ActiveStandardized workholding and training fixtures for the student machining program. Designed to teach setup fundamentals with repeatable exercises.
Phase: Fabrication
Welding Cell Upgrade
ActiveExpanding welding training capacity with additional stations and improved ventilation. Includes new MIG and TIG setups for student use.
Phase: Installation
Shop merch that funds training
Every shirt supports student training and public access.
Community & Industry Support
The Backyard Shop is backed by organizations that believe workforce training should happen on real equipment, under real standards.
Partners contribute software, equipment, services, and resources that strengthen our ability to train apprentices and serve the community.
Partner contributions are used exclusively for educational, workforce, and community benefit. Donated resources are not used to generate private commercial profit.
Organizations interested in supporting training, equipment access, or workforce development initiatives are invited to connect with us.
Fund the Mission
Donate, volunteer, or buy merch. Every dollar supports student training and community access.