Training that pays back: New grant opportunity helps metal building contractors invest in workforce development

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Funding quality craftsmanship and building the future workforce. 

One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry today is finding and developing skilled workers. For metal building contractors, investing in training is essential not only for workforce development but also for maintaining quality standards and meeting accreditation requirements. A new funding opportunity from the Ketenbrink Education Foundation (KEF) is making that investment easier by helping companies offset the cost of training their teams.

The foundation is currently offering immediate mini grants for companies that enroll employees in the Metal Building Institute (MBI) Quality and Craftsmanship (Q&C) 101 training series. According to information shared by Jacqueline Meiluta, companies can receive $250 in grant funding for each employee who successfully completes and passes the testing portion of the training program, with grants available for up to five employees per company. 

The financial benefit is significant. While the Q&C 101 testing costs $110 per participant, contractors can receive $250 per employee through the grant program, creating a positive return on their training investment while strengthening workforce capabilities. 

The opportunity comes at a critical time as the industry continues to focus on workforce development, safety and installation quality. The Q&C training program is designed to help workers better understand metal building construction standards and best practices. In fact, completion of MBI Quality and Craftsmanship training is a required component of AC478 accreditation, making the program especially valuable for contractors pursuing or maintaining accreditation status. 

The grant funding is being provided through the Ketenbrink Education Foundation, whose mission is to help metal building construction workers and aspiring industry professionals acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. The foundation also works to improve the availability of technical and practical training throughout the metal building industry. 

As noted in the foundation's materials, industry leader Bob Ketenbrink emphasized the importance of proper training, stating that one of the most important needs in the metal construction industry is ensuring workers are trained to safely and correctly install materials so building owners receive the highest quality results from their investment. 

To encourage participation, KEF has allocated $50,000 to the program, enough to support approximately 200 newly trained craftsmen across the industry. The grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once funding has been exhausted. Each company is eligible for up to $1,250 in total grant funding. 

Programs like this demonstrate how industry associations and foundations continue to invest in the future of construction. By helping contractors reduce training costs while improving workforce competency, the KEF grant program creates a win-win opportunity for employers, employees and the customers who depend on quality construction. 

Contractors interested in taking advantage of the funding should act quickly while grants remain available. Applications can be submitted through the foundation's online application process. 

Learn more about the grant opportunity and apply today through the KEF application portal. Investing in training today can help strengthen your workforce, support accreditation goals and position your company for long-term success.