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
Jun 16, 2025
Permit Activity Declines for Fourth Consecutive MonthHousing permits continued a downhill trend for the fourth month in a row, pointing to a broader residential construction slowdown for 2025. Single-family permits were down in three out of four regions, while multifamily permits were up in three out of four regions. See the 10 largest markets for single-family and multifamily activity.
Jun 13, 2025
Podcast: Addressing the Labor Shortage through Advocacy and Key CollaborationsOn the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis to discuss a new collaboration with NAHB’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council to bridge the workforce gap in construction.
Latest Economic News
Jun 13, 2025
Household Real Estate Asset Value Falls to Start the YearThe market value of household real estate assets fell from $48.1 trillion to $47.9 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. The value of household real estate assets declined for three consecutive quarters after peaking at $48.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2024 but remains 2.1% higher over the year.
Jun 12, 2025
Producer Prices Rise in May: New Construction Input AnalysisPrices for inputs to new residential construction—excluding capital investment, labor, and imports—rose 0.2% in May, following a (revised) decrease of 0.2% in April. These figures are taken from the most recent Producer Price Index (PPI) report published by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Jun 11, 2025
Inflation Up Slightly in MayDespite inflationary pressure from tariffs, inflation in May rose slightly but came in softer than expected. The Consumer Price Index increased from 2.3% in April to 2.4% in May year-over-year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report.