Building Trades Certificate
Study and gain the skills you need to join homebuilding projects in just one year or two semesters. San Juan College's Building Trades Certificate equips you with practical, hands-on training across the full residential construction cycle, from framing and roofing to finish carpentry, insulation, and drywall.
Why Earn a Certificate in Building Trades?
Building a house requires a team of people with specialized roles. With a building trades certificate, you'll become experienced and will learn about framing, finish carpentry, insulation, and drywall. You'll be an essential part of a construction team by earning this certificate.
Home construction is a fast-paced industry and never boring. Be challenged by new projects, and see results every day you're on the job. Develop new skills and start an in-demand career in the residential construction industry.
Why Earn a Certificate in Building Trades at San Juan College?
One Certificate, Many Skills
With San Juan College's Building Trades Certificate, you'll gain well-rounded experience in blueprint reading, exterior framing, interior finishes, insulation, drywall, and more. This all-around training can be completed in just two semesters and will prepare you to work confidently across multiple roles in residential construction.
Hands-On Training
Get firsthand experience in construction with our skilled instructors. In your building trades classes, they will provide practical training and helpful tips to develop your skills. You'll practice in our state-of-the-art woodworking shop and at our on-site carpentry yard. Get the confidence you need with SJC's building trades program.
Affordable Option
SJC's low tuition rates make our building trades certificate program a great option for you. Our courses and professors prepare you for your career. You may also qualify to get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in the Building Trades Certificate Program
SJC's certificate program will help you learn the skills necessary to become an entry-level residential carpenter. You'll learn in classrooms and in our workshops to perfect your skills.
- Blueprint reading and design
- Exterior framing, roof construction, and shingling
- Insulation and drywall installation and finishing
- Interior finish carpentry: doors, trim, cabinets, flooring, and painting
- Construction safety, building codes, and green-building principles
- Practical Cost Estimating
Building Trades Certificate Curriculum
Careers and Outcomes
With a building trades certificate from San Juan College, you'll have the skills you need for a job in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in the industry is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. As the housing market improves, your job prospects will increase as well.
You'll be ready to work as:
- Carpenters
- Painters
- Roofers
- Flooring installers
- Cabinet installers
- Drywall installers
Recent employers for our graduates include:
- Uselman Construction
- Farmington Construction
- Sun Glass
- Winters Construction
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Northern Edge Casino
- Apache Nugget Casino
- Northern Navajo Medical Center
Next Steps
To earn a building trades certificate, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our building trades certificates.
