The Building Institute of Central Kentucky (BICK) is receiving funding to assist traditionally underrepresented students enrolling in their Workforce Development Training Program through a partnership with the Bluegrass REALTORS® (Bluegrass REALTORS®).
The funding will create a scholarship to help cover tuition fees for those who want a career in skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Made available through a Community, Economic Development & Housing Affordability grant program, offered by Kentucky REALTORS® (KYR), the $10,000 grant will help alleviate one of the highest barriers of entry to the program.
Bluegrass REALTORS® President Greg Buchanan stated, "When the grant was announced through KYR, we knew immediately where the focus needed to be. My generation was instructed that once you graduated high school, you had to go to college. This resulted in a gap of skilled labor and has ultimately created a major shortage in several trades that support the housing and construction industries. This partnership will help recruit and train a generation of people into occupations that have long needed support. Builders, remodelers and homeowners are looking for qualified workers and this step will get more individuals up and running in the profession."
The investment continues a long history of support between Bluegrass REALTORS® and the Building Industry of Central Kentucky (BIA). Bluegrass REALTORS® has previously help fund text books for use in the BICK program and the groups have collaborated through the years on ways to promote housing initiatives throughout the region.
“This recent contribution from Bluegrass REALTORS® to the Building Institute will go a long way to help recruit and support underserved minority students here in Central Kentucky,” said Todd Johnson, Executive Vice President of BIA. “The construction industry is in need of skilled individuals. With this funding, we can reach into our communities to inform and educate minority groups of the solid career opportunities that exist in the trades.”
For more information on the Building Institute of Central Kentucky, the program it offers and how to enroll, please visit biacentralky.com, call 859.273.5117 or contact Brenda Vance at brenda@biacentralky.com.
The Building Industry Association of Central Kentucky is a 1,000+ member trade association, formed in 1952, which serves the housing and residential construction industry in Lexington and surrounding counties.
As the region’s leading advocate for homeownership, Bluegrass REALTORS® (Bluegrass REALTORS®) understands the value and joy of owning a home. Bluegrass REALTORS® represents more than 3,500 REALTORS® located in 26 counties: Anderson, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Clark, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Jackson, Jessamine, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Madison, Menifee, Montgomery, Nicholas, Owsley, Powell, Rowan, Scott, Whitley and Woodford Counties. Visit www.lbar.com for up to the minute real estate listings and buying and selling resources.