A new regional report released this week by Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI) shows the next generation is finding real opportunity in the trades.
The report, “Gen Z’s Shift to Construction and Skilled Trades in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky,” reveals sharp increases in trade school enrollment, a cultural shift toward vocational careers, and the growing influence of Gen Z in construction and skilled trades. From welding and carpentry to HVAC and electrical systems, Gen Z workers are entering hands-on professions at the highest rate in decades.
“This report is a validation of the transformation we’ve been building toward for years,” said Brian Miller, President of the Enzweiler Building Institute. “Gen Z is pragmatic, hardworking, and hungry for meaningful careers without the burden of college debt. We’re proud that EBI is a national leader in helping them launch those careers.”
Founded over 50 years ago by the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, EBI is one of the longest-running trade schools in the country. Its programs are designed around the earn-while-you-learn model, offering tuition-friendly training in the skilled trades with nearly 100% job placement. In response to surging demand, EBI opened a second campus in Covington in 2023, expanding its reach and doubling its impact.
Key highlights from the report include:
• An increase in enrollment at several workforce development partners in early 2025.
• Over 20% wage growth across multiple trades in the Cincinnati MSA over the past five years.
• Rising interest from high school students in apprenticeship and certification pathways.
• A demographic workforce crisis, with nearly half of construction workers age 45 or older.
“With tens of thousands of skilled positions needing to be filled in the next decade, this is not just a moment – it’s a movement,” Miller added. “We’re here to meet it head-on by training the next generation of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and more.”
The full report is available online.
For more information on the Enzweiler Building Institute and its programs, visit www.buildinginstitute.com.
Enzweiler Building Institute