A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

HBANK’s Enzweiller Building Institute graduates new class of skilled tradesmen for in-demand jobs


The Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky’s Enzweiler Building Institute celebrated the graduating class of 2017 at a ceremony held at their Building Center in Erlanger.

“We are extremely proud of our graduates and welcome them into their chosen careers as skilled trades people,” said Brian Miller, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky.

“If you were to look at data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics you would see we need to increase the size of our workforce and replace aging workers in a greater number than our industry’s needs immediately following World War II.  In fact, for Greater Cincinnati alone, in the seven courses we provide, over 46,000 new skilled trades persons are needed in the next ten years.  The average age of our skilled trades people is 59 years old.  That means that soon they will retire and leave behind opportunities to accelerate into management and company ownership positions. 

“These jobs in our region pay between $42,000 to $51,000 according to government statistics.  Construction management positions pay on average over $90,000.  Like never before, now is the best time to pursue a career in the construction trades.”
 

Brad Montell

The keynote during the ceremony was delivered by Deputy Secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Brad Montell.  Deputy Secretary Montell told the students of the possibilities in the construction industry and pledged to assist the Institute in the future to support its programming and assist its students. 
 
The Enzweiler Building Institute is the nation’s longest continually operating privately owned construction trade school. The program is an approved education provider for licensure with the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Labor and Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.  The curriculum is recognized by the US Department of Labor. 

Students work during the day and attend the program two nights a week in the evening.  During the 2015-2016 school year, there were 146 students enrolled in the program.  Over 200 students are expected to be enrolled in the trade school during the 2017-2018 school year which begins in September of 2017. 

The program runs from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday from September through April.  Job placement assistance is provided.  The program offers two-year hands-on certified programs in carpentry, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), masonry, and facilities maintenance.  Electric is a four-year program and an incumbent one year welding program is offered. 

The program has been nationally awarded “Best Workforce Development Program” by the National Association of Home Builders for four of the last seven years.  The cost to attend the Enzweiler Building Institute is as low as $1,925 per year to $2,125 per year, depending upon timeliness of tuition payment.  Some courses require materials or facilities costs between $100 to $250 per year.
 

The graduates


 
A High School daytime program was launched to introduce students to the construction trades.  High School students from Boone County Schools, Ludlow High School and The Northern Kentucky Education Cooperative Service experience hands on instruction at the Building Center Tuesday through Thursday during the school year. Courses are taught in carpentry, electric, plumbing and HVAC.  Other school systems that provide transportation are welcome to participate, though placements are limited.
 
Enzweiler Building Institute graduates with HVAC certifications and who pass their licensure examination with the Commonwealth, will have earned 48 hours of college credit at Gateway Community and Technical College.  Other similar articulation agreements in other courses are currently in the approval process.
 
The mission of the Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky is to promote and enhance the integrity and visibility of the construction industry and the members of the organization through advocacy, communication, education and political action.

For more information about the 2017-2018 Enzweiler Building Institute’s school year visit the website, or call Shawn Cox, Director of Professional Development at (859) 331-9500.  Tours by appointment are provided.  Space limitations result in certain classes filling.  Those interested are encouraged to apply early to reserve their placement. 
 


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