Frankfort, KY; March 13, 2025 – The Kentucky General Assembly has passed House Bill 54, a key piece of legislation aimed at improving pathways for students entering careers in the building trades. The bill, which allows on-the-job training hours from internships and cooperative placements to count toward licensure requirements, is seen as a game-changer for professions regulated by the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction, including electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
Sponsored by Representative Kim Banta and supported in the Senate by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer, House Bill 54 passed with strong backing from both chambers of the General Assembly. The Prichard Committee, a respected advocate for educational excellence in Kentucky, has also endorsed the bill, praising its potential to bridge the gap between education and industry needs. This new bill builds on the 2024 passage of Senate Bill 164, which addressed dual credit for the educational component of licensure. Together, these two measures create a comprehensive dual credit pathway for licensed construction trades.
Key Benefits of House Bill 54
Accelerated Career Pathways
Students can now apply hands-on work experience directly to licensure requirements, reducing the time it takes to enter the workforce.
Industry-Recognized Training
By combining academic education with on-the-job training, students gain practical, real-world experience that aligns with industry standards.
Enhanced Workforce Readiness
By ensuring that students’ education mirrors the needs of employers, the bill better prepares graduates to meet the demands of the industry.
Support for Educational InstitutionsPrograms like the Enzweiler Building Institute can now offer more robust training opportunities, benefiting both students and the local economy.
Brian Miller, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, celebrated the bill’s passage, stating, “House Bill 54 represents a monumental step forward in aligning educational programs with the practical needs of the building industry. This legislation not only benefits students but also addresses the workforce demands of our community. We are grateful for Representative Kim Banta for her sponsorship of this important piece of good legislation and Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer for her leadership in stewarding the bill through the Kentucky Senate.”
For students planning to enroll in recognized construction training programs after high school, the new law provides significant advantages. By allowing on-the-job training hours to count towards licensure, students will have access to enhanced programs that offer a more streamlined, effective path to certification in the skilled trades.
The passage of House Bill 54 reflects Kentucky’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce and supporting educational initiatives that contribute to the state’s economic growth. The bill not only strengthens the connection between education and industry but also provides the building trades with much-needed professionals who are ready to meet the demands of an ever-growing sector.
House Bill 54 will have long-lasting effects on the building trades industry in Kentucky. With a steady demand for skilled workers in fields like electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC, this bill provides a practical solution to the workforce shortage by offering a clear pathway for students to gain valuable experience while still completing their academic requirements.
The new law is expected to be especially beneficial for students in rural areas who may not have immediate access to advanced training programs but can now take advantage of internships and cooperative education opportunities with local businesses. These partnerships will not only give students essential hands-on training but will also help foster stronger relationships between educational institutions and industry leaders.
As Kentucky continues to develop its skilled workforce, HB 54 sets a precedent for how the state can leverage educational policy to address the changing needs of both students and employers. By enhancing the building trades education system, Kentucky is ensuring its long-term economic success by preparing students for the challenges of the future workforce.
Originally reported by NKY Health.