COVINGTON, Ky. — People curious about a career in skilled construction trades caught a glimpse at some of the learning they can get at the Enzweiler Building Institute in Covington.

It’s a way for the institute to help excite people and get them rolling on a path toward fields that need more workers.

As a real estate agent, Karen Elkins understands the importance of trade skills. She attended the information session to learn more about plumbing, welding and other skill-based trades. Attendees were given a tour of the institute to learn more about the courses being offered.

Vicki Berling is the Director of the Enzweiler Building Institute. She says trades are looking for the next generation of workers.

Berling said, “These kind of sessions help people get to where they’re ready to make that commitment to move in this way.”

Elkins came to the session because she wanted to better understand the other fields that interact with the world of real estate, but found herself interested in a course offered at the institute.

“I wrote down something about the stained glass class! It may be a possibility!” Elkins said.

Berling hopes more people get excited about potential careers using skilled labor.

She said, “The forecast is almost dire in some professions where many of the people who are currently working are aging out.”

 The institute has classes beginning in Covington and Erlanger this fall. Elkins says she hopes the classes are full.

“When something breaks down and you need help. It is increasingly more difficult to find someone who’s able to help. The idea that the young people are going into this—it’s a gift,” she said.

 The Enzweiler Building Institute was recently awarded a $3.5 million grant to help provide skill courses to county public and private high school students in the future. The funding will also create a new 13-week course which will be offered by the institute.