New Heritage Trades Training Program Addresses Critical Skilled Labor Shortage in Regional Historic Restoration
Covington, KY — The Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI) is bringing history out of books and into the workshop with its 2026 Heritage Trade Seminar Series, offered through the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades (CAHT). This spring and summer, students, contractors, and preservation professionals will gain experience restoring the region’s historic structures- learning the exact skills needed to meet a growing demand for specialized trades.
All seminars will take place at 3923 Winston Ave, Covington, KY 41015, providing participants with access to a fully equipped training environment designed to simulate real-world restoration conditions. The Covington Academy of Heritage Trades is the only program in the region dedicated exclusively to training a workforce in historic preservation trades.
Without a trained preservation workforce:
• Restoration timelines slow
• Project costs increase
• Historic assets are permanently lost
At the same time, employer demand continues to rise. Builders, developers, and contractors across the region are actively seeking professionals with preservation-specific expertise to meet the surge in historic rehabilitation projects. “Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati contain thousands of aging historic structures requiring specialized restoration. Demand for preservation-skilled labor continues to outpace supply across redevelopment projects.
“The demand for skilled tradespeople in historic preservation is growing rapidly, and these seminars are a direct response to that need,” said Diane McConnell, Director of Workforce Development for EBI and BIA NKY. “We are equipping individuals with specialized, in-demand skills that support career growth while ensuring our region’s historic buildings can be properly restored.”
Training Designed for Immediate Impact
Each seminar is led by seasoned restoration professionals and features instruction with real materials and techniques, including:
• Masonry conservation using historic mortars and stone
• Structural and finish carpentry for aging buildings
• Millwork replication and precision restoration methods
Participants don’t just learn concepts- they actively practice the techniques required on real job sites.
As redevelopment accelerates across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, a critical shortage of skilled professionals is threatening the restoration of historic buildings. This is more than an industry issue- it impacts economic development, housing supply, and community identity. Without a trained workforce, projects are delayed, costs rise and defining historic structures risk permanent loss. Meanwhile, growing public and private investment is driving immediate demand for specialized skills that remain in short supply, making this an urgent workforce and economic challenge with real-world consequences.
Media are invited to capture hands-on instruction using historic materials and live restoration techniques in a workshop setting.
2026 Heritage Trade Seminar Schedule
Advanced Masonry Conservation (Intermediate/Advanced)
April 6–16, 2026 | Monday–Thursday | 6:00–9:00 PM
Cost: $400 | Registration Deadline: March 30, 2026
Students will work with historic masonry systems including arches, terra cotta, carved stone, and traditional mortar methods- learning advanced conservation techniques essential for authentic restoration.
Basic Carpentry for Heritage Structures (Beginner)
May 4–14, 2026 | Monday–Thursday | 6:00–9:00 PM
Cost: $400 | Registration Deadline: April 27, 2026
This introductory course explores wood as a historic material, guiding students through structural systems and repair techniques for beams, joists, rafters, and trim while preserving original integrity.
Carpentry and Millwork Restoration (Intermediate/Advanced)
June 1–11, 2026 | Monday–Thursday | 6:00–9:00 PM
Cost: $400 | Registration Deadline: May 26, 2026
Participants will advance their skills in joinery, millwork replication, and interior restoration, including exposure to Japanese in-situ repair techniques focused on precision and minimal material loss.
Register Now
Contractors, remodelers working in historic districts, infill and redevelopment builders, and individuals looking to enter preservation trades are strongly encouraged to register. Space is limited, and demand is growing.
Classes are expected to fill quickly based on prior demand. Registration takes less than five minutes, and seats are limited.
Secure your spot today: https://heritagetradesacademy.com/apply/
About the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades
The Covington Academy of Heritage Trades, a division of the Enzweiler Building Institute, provides specialized hands-on instruction in traditional building techniques used to preserve and restore historic structures. The Academy partners with employers, municipalities, and preservation organizations to strengthen the regional workforce and protect the area’s architectural heritage. Learn more at: https://heritagetradesacademy.com/
About Enzweiler Building Institute
Founded in 1967, the Enzweiler Building Institute is one of the nation’s longest-operating trade schools, offering hands-on training in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, welding, plumbing, masonry, diesel mechanics, and historic preservation. EBI serves adults, high school students, and employers seeking workforce development solutions aligned with industry needs. Learn more about EBI here: https://buildinginstitute.com/
PHOTO: Building the skills to preserve the past: professionals gain hands-on insight through CAHT’s seminar series to help address the region’s growing skilled heritage trades shortage.
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