Construction Trades Program Identifies and Works to Fill Skills Gap

Discounted Enrollment Ends July 31st

C.R. Adams, Electric Instructor, Townsley Electric, Welcomes Students to their first night of class. Provided. 

The Enzweiler Building Institute, a privately run trade school operated by the Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky has been in existence since 1967.  It offers courses in seven trades; three of which are licenses professions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“The great recession has left us with a real workforce challenge,” stated Brian Miller, executive vice president of the local trade association.  “The downturn simply dragged on so long that many trades people retired, closed shop or went on to retrain in other industries.  Coupled with the fact that the average age of our skilled construction trades people is more advanced than the overall national average we have a real long term challenge to face. Employers constantly are calling us looking for good people to work today." 

He said that when you put that together with the expansion rate, that they will need over 45,000 trained workers by 2024.

The following courses are taught at the Enzweiler Building Institute.  Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014-2024 survey is included that covers the training needs for workforce expansion and replacement of workers leaving the trades along with the mean wage for those careers in the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan Area.

Masonry
Needed to train over 10 years = 1,198
15% expansion (much higher than U.S. average)
Mean wage = $42,320

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Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Needed to train over 10 years = 3,555
14% expansion (much faster than U.S. average)
Mean wage = $48,800

Carpentry
Needed to train over 10 years = 7,357
6% expansion (as fast as U.S. average)
Mean wage = $42,320

Electric
Needed to train over 10 years = 7,328
14% expansion (much faster than U.S. average)
Mean wage = $49,280

Plumbing
Needed to train over 10 years = 5,348
12% expansion (faster than U.S. average)
Mean wage = $50,060

Facilities Maintenance
Needed to train over 10 years = 17,145
6% expansion (as fast as U.S. average)
Mean wage = $40,940

Welding
Needed to train over 10 years = 4,575
4% expansion (slower than U.S. average)
Mean wage = $39,070

Classes for the 2016-2017 Enzweiler Building Institute are open for enrollment now. The investment to attend courses is $2,025 per year with reduced tuition possible when paid in full prior to the start of the school year. There is a discount of $200 for enrollment and payment in full by July 31, 2016. Students are responsible for the purchase of their own text books for courses that require a text book.

All programs requiring licensure in Kentucky (Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing) are recognized by the state of Kentucky as an approved education provider as a path to getting a license.  The school is also approved by the VA as an education provider so veterans who qualify may be able to use their education benefits to offset or in many cases cover the cost of tuition.  A High School program will begin this fall with Boone County High Schools, Partners for a Competitive Workforce and the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services.

Courses are held at the association’s Building Center in Erlanger, KY and at satellite locations nearby.  There are placements available for approximately 200 students and many courses fill quickly.  Classes begin on September 6th.

For information call 859-331-9500 or email Shawn Cox at scox@hbanky.com. You can also learn more online at www.homebuildernky.com.  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.