Kentucky Trade School Receives Tools Donation to Support Students
Access to the latest equipment and tools is critical for students working toward a trade career. On Nov. 20, 2024, the Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI) in Erlanger, Ky., received a generous donation from Lowe’s to enhance hands-on training for students pursuing careers in the construction industry.
“Lowe’s continues to be a champion for workforce development and the future of skilled trades,” said Brian Miller, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky and president of the EBI. “This donation not only provides critical resources for our students but also serves as a powerful statement about Lowe’s commitment to investing in education and the next generation of builders. We’re incredibly grateful for their support.”
The contribution, valued at over $5,000, includes lumber, drills, batteries and other tools. Miller says that approximately 400 secondary and post-secondary students are enrolled in the Institute and will benefit tremendously from the donation. EBI offers carpentry, electricity, HVAC, masonry and other related trade classes. Trade professionals teach each class, and classes generally run from September through April.
The Institute is one of the country’s longest running and largest trade schools under the auspices of NAHB. Training began in 1967, and program graduates own and operate many of the association’s successful businesses.
The partnership reinforces the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and educational institutions to address the skilled trades workforce shortage and inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in construction.
“Through our Lowe’s Hometowns Heroes program, Lowe’s associates in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky district are proud to partner with NAHB to support the Enzweiler Building Institute,” said Shane Thompson, Lowe’s district manager. “Lowe’s is dedicated to the development of skilled trades education and closing the skilled trades labor gap.”
Latest from NAHBNow
Apr 20, 2026
More Young Adults Interested in the Construction Trades, but Challenges PersistA new study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that more young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are interested in the construction trades but more work needs to be done to educate the public that there are increasing opportunities for rewarding, lucrative careers in the skilled trades.
Apr 17, 2026
Single-Family Permits Decline Sharply to Start 2026Residential construction activity began 2026 on a mixed note, with single-family permitting weakening significantly while multifamily activity remained relatively stable.
Latest Economic News
Apr 20, 2026
Construction Workforce Shifts: Fewer Tradesmen, More White-Collar JobsThe long-running shift in the construction labor force away from construction trades and toward management, business, and technical roles is ongoing and gaining momentum, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest 2024 data from the American Community Survey (ACS).
Apr 17, 2026
Count of Second Homes Declines in 2024In 2024, the number of second homes in the U.S. was 6.2 million, accounting for 4.3% of the nation’s housing stock, according to NAHB estimates. This reflects a modest decline from 2022, when the number reached 6.5 million. This decline suggests some cooling following the pandemic-era surge in second home demand.
Apr 16, 2026
Young Adults Report More Interest in the Construction Trades: 2026 SurveyNAHB estimates the U.S. has a structural housing deficit of 1.2 million units. Among the myriad of headwinds home builders face trying to close that gap is the industry’s chronic shortage of workers in the construction trades.