San Juan College’s Building Trades program has turned classroom instruction into tangible community assets this year by having students construct 10x12 insulated sheds throughout the academic year. The program’s practice of selling the finished sheds and reinvesting the proceeds supports program sustainability while giving students experience in real-world project completion, school officials say.

The curriculum is deliberately segmented to mirror industry workflow: students rotate through units on framing, installation of doors and windows, and finishing work. In addition to technical skills, program instructors emphasize safety protocols, ensuring students learn jobsite best practices that reduce the risk of injury once they enter the workforce. Students report that the hands-on experience and safety training translate directly to future careers in construction and architecture.

An open house earlier in October allowed community members to view the finished projects and see students’ workmanship up close. The event highlighted the practical benefits of connecting vocational education with local needs: buyers acquire insulated, ready-to-use storage units while students gain portfolio pieces and real sales experience. Proceeds flowing back into the program help purchase tools, materials and equipment for future cohorts, closing a common funding gap for trades education.

Beyond individual skill-building, the initiative has broader implications for San Juan County. Locally built sheds meet a range of household and small-business needs—from weatherproof outdoor storage on rural properties to space for equipment and supplies in a region with a strong agricultural and trades sector. More importantly, the program strengthens the county’s workforce pipeline at a time when the construction industry nationwide faces shortages of trained labor. By preparing students with practical skills and safety awareness, the college contributes to economic stability for graduates and to safer work environments across the community.

There are also public health and equity dimensions to the project. Job training that leads to stable employment addresses social determinants of health by improving income security, access to healthcare, and housing stability. Safety instruction reduces the likelihood of workplace injuries, lowering long-term health burdens on workers and healthcare systems. Reinvesting sales in the program helps make training more accessible to future students, which can advance opportunities for residents who otherwise face barriers to career education.

As San Juan College continues the shed-building program in coming terms, the model offers a replicable example of vocational education that ties classroom learning to community benefit. For residents seeking small-scale construction projects or a way to support local workforce training, the program provides a visible, practical return on investment for both students and the county.