Building Trades Degree, AAS
Start your career in residential construction at San Juan College. Our Building Trades program provides the hands-on experience you need to build a home from the ground up. From framing and roofing to cabinet installation, you'll be ready for a career in just two years.
Why Complete an Associate Degree in Building Trades?
Our state and country need more affordable housing. To help meet demand, we need builders to construct new houses and renovate older ones. Now is a great time to enter the industry as older workers retire and companies need trained employees.
By earning an Associate of Applied Science AA degree in Building Trades, you'll learn all aspects of home construction. Be skilled at everything from reading blueprints to installing floors, doors, and walls. Your knowledge will help you to find a career as soon as you graduate.
Construction is a fast-paced industry where you'll see results every day you're on the job. Solve problems, implement designs, and create quality builds. Be a part of the next generation of carpenters, roofers, and cabinet installers with a Building Trades AAS.
Why Earn a Building Trades AAS at San Juan College?
Real-World Experience
Get your hands dirty by learning to build with our experienced instructors. They provide practical training and helpful tips to develop your construction skills. You'll practice in our state-of-the-art woodworking shop and on-site building projects. Get the confidence and support you need at SJC.
Complete Projects
As part of the Building Trades AAS, you'll design a structure with your classmates and then complete it at our on-site building yard. Learn to overcome obstacles and how to work as a team. Get real-life experience as you install drywall, put down flooring, paint walls, hang doors, and more.
Affordable Option
Take advantage of SJC's low tuition rates with our Building Trades AAS program. It's a great investment into your future career. You may even qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn at SJC's Building Trades Program
With our comprehensive program, you'll be ready to enter the residential construction industry. You'll learn important construction skills such as:
- Home foundations
- Rough carpentry and finish carpentry
- Painting
- Drywall and insulation
- Flooring
- Cabinet, window, and door installation
- Roofing and siding
- Stair construction
- Blueprint reading and design
You'll also take coursework in building codes, cost estimating, and alternative building methods.
Building Trades AAS Curriculum
Careers and Outcomes
With a Building Trades AAS, you'll have the skills that will prepare you for a job in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the industry is projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031. As the housing market improves, your job prospects will increase as well.
Our graduates find employment 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
- Lowes
- Northern Edge Casino
- Apache Nugget Casino
- Northern Navajo Medical Center
Next Steps
You must first apply to San Juan College to enroll in the Associate of Applied Science in Building Trades program. 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 program.
