Deconstruction Contractor Training
The City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation offers deconstruction training biannually. The most recent training was held October 2024.
Deconstruction training is a hands-on field course that allows participants to learn and test deconstruction and material salvage techniques under the guidance of an experienced deconstruction contractor. Participants gain direct experience performing material condition assessments, removing materials in a manner that allows for their reuse, organizing a deconstruction site, inventorying and documenting materials, and more.
Due to demand and to accomodate a diversity of interests and abilities, we offer three training categories:
Certification: A 5-day, 40-hour field training for active contractors interested in adding deconstruction to their trades service offerings. This is the pathway to becoming a Certified Deconstruction Contractor, which allows contractors to pull permits under the City of San Antonio's deconstruction ordinance.
Apprenticeship: A 5-day, 40-hour paid field training for those participating in a workforce development program through the Living Heritage Trades Academy (enrollment required). This pathway includes an eight week paid apprenticeship under a local contractor for further applied instruction.
Continuing Education for Professionals/Service Learning: Applied volunteerism for community members, students, architects, service groups, and others looking to learn more about deconstruction without committing to a professional-level training. These trainings are typically one to two hours and focus on a specific subset of deconstruction, like material processing. Contining education credits maybe offered in conjunction with a qualifying agency.
If you are interested in participating in a future training, please fill out our interest form to be notified of dates and openings.
Fill out a training interest form
Please fill out our interest form to express your interest in attending a future deconstruction training.
Please note: This training is in high demand and spots are limited. Your responses are important in determining eligibility; please take the time to fill out your form with care. Thank you!
Have questions, partnership ideas, or a potential training site? Please email our team.
Background: Certified Deconstruction Contractor Training
In September 2022, San Antonio City Council adopted the City's first deconstruction ordinance. The ordinance requires that older, small-scale housing stock be deconstructed versus mechanically demolished by a Certified Deconstruction Contractor. This training is a pre-requisite to become certified. For more information on the ordinance, please visit our summary page.
Certified Deconstruction Contractor Training is a 5-day, hands-on field course, plus a virtual course on permitting and reporting, that focuses on transferring essential skills for hands‐on deconstruction, including:
Proper tools and worksite organization;
Assessing material conditions and evaluating materials for reuse;
Techniques to remove material in manner that allows for its reuse, including siding, framing, flooring, windows & doors, porch elements, and fixtures;
Site prep and material storage/organization;
Permitting and data reporting; and
Introduction to business operations for deconstruction and salvage.
Training may be offered at no cost to eligible participants, who may then be placed into an 8-week paid apprenticeship with a local deconstruction contractor. Please call Family Service, our workforce partner, at (210) 431-4425 to inquire about enrollment.
