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
According to NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index, nearly a quarter of remodelers started an ADU project over the past twelve months; 24% indicated that they were building an addition for use as an ADU and 23% indicated that they were converting an existing space into an ADU.
The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) always features leading experts and luminaries from the housing and real estate industry. The sheer size of the event also attracts talent from other walks of life.
Latest Economic News
Private residential construction spending decreased in September 2026 driven by a steep decline in improvement (remodeling) spending. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $848.8 billion in September, down 5.5% from the revised August estimates and lower by 8.9% from last year.
Interior finishes (drywall, interior doors, painting, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc.) take more time to complete—6.4 weeks, on average—than any other major stage of single-family construction, according to results from the latest NAHB/Well Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey.
Private fixed investment in student dormitories rose 2.6% in the third quarter of 2026, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $3.8 billion. This gain marked a second consecutive quarterly increase, despite continued pressures from elevated interest rates. On a year-over-year basis, investments in dorms increased 1.1%.