Grants issued by Truist Foundation go to Enzweiler Building Institute for improving vocational trade education.
The Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI), a long-standing and influential training program for the construction industry, is set to enhance its facilities and expand its capacity in response to the growing demand for skilled workers in the region. This demand is projected to exceed 65,000 new construction jobs over the next decade in Greater Cincinnati [1].
EBI, established over five decades ago by the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, has recently expanded with a second campus in Covington, which opened in 2023. The institute now caters to over 150 students across various programs, including carpentry, HVAC, electric, masonry, welding, plumbing, facilities maintenance, and the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades [1][2].
The $37,000 grant received from the Truist Foundation is part of the foundation's "Building Career Pathways to Economic Mobility" pillar and will support capital improvements at EBI's Covington location, a 10,000-square-foot trades training facility [1]. The funding will be used to construct a raised platform for HVAC units, to be built by EBI's carpentry students, and to install ventilation, gas lines, and ductwork for the HVAC training room [1].
Additionally, two storage containers have been acquired for safe material storage at the Covington site. The grant will also fund the purchase of a forklift for classroom support and student certification in forklift operation [1].
Truist Foundation's investment in EBI reflects its commitment to strengthening pathways to economic mobility and helping individuals gain meaningful, life-changing employment [1]. The support from Truist Foundation allows EBI to bring hands-on learning to life and give students the tools they need to train with confidence and graduate ready for the workforce.
EBI's mission is to prepare students for successful careers in the construction industry by offering tuition-friendly, earn-while-you-learn workforce training programs that emphasize hands-on learning and real workforce readiness [1]. The institute boasts nearly 100% job placement for graduates, ensuring that students are well-equipped to fill the tens of thousands of open positions in construction over the coming decade [2].
As nearly half of current construction workers are age 45 or older, indicating an imminent need for new entrants, EBI is partnering with other community stakeholders to meet the region's high demand for skilled workers [2]. By providing accessible, hands-on training and strong job placement outcomes, EBI is a critical regional workforce training entity actively combating the skills shortage and preparing students to fill the projected surge of 65,000+ new construction jobs in Greater Cincinnati over the next decade [1][2].
[1] Enzweiler Building Institute. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.enzweiler.org/about-us [2] Enzweiler Building Institute. (n.d.). Programmes. Retrieved from https://www.enzweiler.org/programmes
- The Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI), located in Northern Kentucky, expanded with a second campus in Covington in 2023, catering to over 150 students across various programs in Cincinnati and Covington.
- The Truist Foundation provided a $37,000 grant to EBI, which will be utilized for capital improvements at the Covington location, including constructing a raised platform for HVAC units and purchasing a forklift for classroom support.
- EBI offers tuition-friendly, earn-while-you-learn workforce training programs, focusing on hands-on learning and workforce readiness, aiming to prepare students for successful careers in the construction industry.
- The imminent need for new entrants in the construction industry, as over half of the current workers are age 45 or older, has prompted EBI to partner with other community stakeholders to address the high demand for skilled workers in Greater Cincinnati.
- With nearly 100% job placement for graduates, EBI actively combats the skills shortage by preparing students for the projected surge of 65,000+ new construction jobs in Greater Cincinnati over the next decade.
