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
Codes and Standards
Aug 13, 2026
Sept. 1 Deadline Looms for Code Changes on Outdoor Outlets, GFCIs
On Sept. 1, 2026, a temporary exception in the National Electrical Code (NEC) is scheduled to expire, which requires ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for outdoor HVAC equipment.
Membership | Advocacy | Leadership Meetings
Aug 12, 2026
Chairman's Update: What the Industry Pulse Check Told Us About Our Federation
In his August update, 2026 NAHB Chairman Bill Owens spotlights the feedback received through NAHB’s Industry Pulse Check and next steps on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act implementation.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 13, 2026
Building Material Prices Show Growth In July
Residential building material prices, excluding energy, rose 0.4% in July and were up 5.0% from a year ago. Energy prices fell again in July but remained significantly higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, prices for services were down 0.3% over the month but were 6.2% higher than a year ago.
Economics
Aug 13, 2026
Homeownership Rate Edges Down to 65%
The latest homeownership rate declined to 65% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). The homeownership rate was unchanged from a year ago, and not statistically different than the rate in the first quarter of the year (65.3%).
Economics
Aug 12, 2026
Inflation Eased Slightly in July
Led by declines in gasoline and diesel prices, inflation eased for the second consecutive month after reaching a three-year high in May. As energy prices moderated, shelter resumed its role as the largest driver of headline inflation, accounting for one-third of the annual increase and over two-thirds of the monthly increase.