The Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (FWCI) has announced a significant $5,000 donation to Kentuckiana Builds, a critical workforce development program administered by the Louisville Urban League, in partnership with KentuckianaWorks, the Louisville region’s workforce development board.”
This contribution will support the organization’s efforts to train and place individuals into high-demand construction careers.
The check presentation took place in Louisville during the AWCI’s Industry Leaders Conference, November 11-13, 2025, highlighting the industry’s commitment to fostering a skilled future workforce.
“Kentuckiana Builds is essential because it is actively developing the precise skills our industry needs—from carpentry to electrical work. This $5,000 donation reflects the FWCI’s commitment to growing the construction workforce by supporting programs that offer high-quality, free training and connect job-ready individuals directly to employers. Investing in this hands-on training is how we secure a skilled future for the wall and ceiling industry,” shares Pete Wilhelms, president of the Foundation and vice president of marketing and product development for Negwer Materials, Inc.”
Building the Future: Kentuckiana Builds’ Mission
Kentuckiana Builds offers free training and job placement assistance to local residents seeking careers in the construction industry. The program is designed to address the persistent skilled labor gap by equipping participants with hands-on expertise in various trades.
Training fields include:
- Electrical work
- Carpentry
- Welding
- Fiber optic installation
By connecting participants directly to local employers, Kentuckiana Builds ensures that its graduates are job-ready and integrated quickly into the workforce, providing a steady pipeline of talent for regional construction firms.
Eligibility and Impact
The program is accessible to individuals who are 18 years or older, possess a high school diploma or GED, and are eligible to work in the United States. FWCI’s donation will directly help fund the free training curriculum and support services that enable these participants to successfully launch their careers.
This donation underscores the Foundation’s dedication to organizations that enhance the construction labor pool, ensuring the wall and ceiling industry—and the broader construction sector—has the skilled professionals needed for continued growth.
For more information on the program, visit the Kentuckiana Builds website.