Senate Bill 164: Bridging Classrooms to Careers in Construction

HBA: Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky

Category: Government Affairs

Location: Erlanger, Ky.

Size: 201-600 members

Year: 2024

In 2024, the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky (BIANKY) led a landmark effort to pass Senate Bill 164, transforming workforce development in the construction trades. The bill, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 29, 2024, creates a clear academic pathway for high school students pursuing careers in licensed trades such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC by enabling them to earn dual credit toward both graduation and professional licensure. BIANKY collaborated closely with Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Kim Banta, BIANKY EVP Brian Miller provided key testimony that helped move the legislation forward.

Through strategic partnerships with public schools, area technology centers and proprietary institutions like the Enzweiler Building Institute, BIANKY ensured alignment between education and industry needs. As a result, students across Kentucky can now seamlessly transition from classroom training to job-ready positions in the skilled trades. Senate Bill 164 not only addresses the state’s labor shortage but sets a statewide precedent for integrating education with industry-led certification, establishing Kentucky as a national model for career and technical education reform.