Erik von Blankenburg
Building & Construction Trades Instructor · Marin County Office of Education (MCOE)
Journeyman Carpenter · CA Licensed General Contractor · LCMSD Facilities Director
40+ Years in the Trades — Now Shaping the Next Generation
Erik von Blankenburg's career in the construction trades spans more than four decades. He began as a carpenter apprentice in 1982, earned his Journeyman Carpenter credential in 1986, and obtained his California General Contractor's license in 1989 — a license he continues to hold today.
In 2018, Erik brought his construction expertise into the school system as Facilities Director for the Lagunitas Community School District (LCMSD), overseeing campus infrastructure and capital improvement projects. Then in 2023, he joined the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) as a Building & Construction Trades instructor — the program supported by Shifting Gears USA.
Erik's classroom is built on the same principles that guided his career: learn by doing, take pride in your craft, and understand that skilled tradespeople are the backbone of every community. His goal is to give Marin County students a clear, honest picture of what a rewarding career in the building trades looks like — and the skills to pursue it.
1982 – 1986
Apprentice Carpenter
Began his career in the trades as a carpenter apprentice, learning the foundational skills of framing, finish carpentry, and construction safety that have defined his professional life.
1986 – Present
Journeyman Carpenter
Earned Journeyman Carpenter status in 1986 — a credential that reflects mastery of the full range of carpentry skills and the ability to work independently on complex construction projects.
1989 – Present
CA Licensed General Contractor
Has held a California General Contractor's license since 1989, managing residential and commercial construction projects across the Bay Area for over three decades.
2018 – Present
Facilities Director — Lagunitas Community School District (LCMSD)
Serves as Facilities Director for the Lagunitas Community School District, overseeing campus infrastructure, maintenance, and capital improvement projects — bringing his construction expertise directly into the school environment.
2023 – Present
Building & Construction Trades Instructor — MCOE
Joined the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) as a Building & Construction Trades instructor in 2023 — the program supported by Shifting Gears USA. Erik brings over 40 years of hands-on trades experience into the classroom, showing students what a real career in construction looks like.
Career Highlights
- 40+ years of hands-on trades experience
- Journeyman Carpenter since 1986
- CA Licensed General Contractor since 1989
- School district facilities leadership since 2018
- MCOE CTE instructor since 2023