EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College (LCC) is proud to serve as a key partner in the newly expanded Team Oregon Build (TOB) program, an initiative designed to equip Oregon’s youth with essential skills for the workforce, particularly in high-demand trade industries. The program, which originated in Lane County in 2022 under the name "Constructing a Brighter Future," has grown substantially, receiving $2.6 million in funding from the Oregon Department of Education through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) fund. With this expansion, TOB now partners with education service districts across the state, including Lane, Southern, and Mid-Willamette regions.
At its core, TOB is a collaborative effort between local schools, educators, and industry partners to provide hands-on training in career and technical education (CTE). Lane Community College has played a vital role in this initiative by providing the space and resources to build and train instructors, helping to lay the foundation for future success in the trades. The program focuses on practical learning experiences, where students gain real-world skills by constructing structures such as sheds and cottages. These projects not only teach valuable skills but also contribute to the community, with many structures being donated to local organizations such as Everyone Village and Square One Village in Eugene.
John Stapleton, Executive Director of the Lane Workforce Council, emphasizes the importance of partnerships like those formed through TOB, stating, "The whole partnership was around getting kids launched into successful work life. You get that first job, it's super hard. You need skills. You need ... all the things you need to be able to show up to get a job."
As the hub for summer professional development courses, Lane Community College hosts workshops where CTE instructors from across the state come together to learn and exchange ideas. These instructors, many of whom have extensive industry experience, are critical in preparing students for careers in the trades. For example, North Eugene High School’s "Future Build" program, one of TOB’s key partners, has seen significant success, with students like Conor McIver finding their passion and purpose through hands-on learning.
“Lane Community College is proud to be at the forefront of innovative programs like Team Oregon Build that not only equip students with essential skills but also strengthen our community’s workforce," said LCC President Stephanie Bulger. "This initiative exemplifies our commitment to providing hands-on, real-world experiences that prepare students for successful careers in high-demand industries. We are thrilled to support and expand this partnership, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to build a bright future in the trades.”
The impact of Team Oregon Build extends beyond individual students, addressing the larger workforce needs of the region. With thousands of job openings in trade fields every month in Lane County alone, TOB is making a tangible difference in preparing the next generation of workers.
As Lane Community College continues to support and expand this innovative program, it remains committed to fostering partnerships that bridge education and industry, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future workforce.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.