CINCINNATI, Ohio — Megan Kilpatrick isn't afraid to get her hands dirty — and she means business.

Kilpatrick is one of many graduates of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati’s Construction Training Program (CTP), a partnership with CityLink that’s helping to combat Ohio's ongoing construction worker shortage. The program, which combines classroom instruction and hands-on learning, prepares students for careers in the construction industry by teaching essential skills such as safety protocols and material handling.

“I’m not here to joke around," Kilpatrick said. "I'm here to get the job done the right way.”

Kilpatrick's passion for working with her hands fueled her desire to build homes, and she finds joy in the impact of her work. “I’m able to put someone in a home forever, and seeing the smile on their face is amazing," she said.

The CTP, which lasts for six weeks, equips students with certifications including OSHA 10 and OSHA 30. Thanks to donations and sponsorships, the program is free for participants, allowing them to focus on professional development without the financial burden.

CTP Skills Training Manager Holly Dorning-Savage noted that the program provides students with “the opportunity to focus on their learning, their professional development, getting ready for interviews, and knowing that it's not going to be a financial burden for them.”

The construction industry in Ohio and across the U.S. is facing a labor shortage. The national trade association, Associated Builders and Contractors, estimates that the number of construction workers is about half a million fewer than needed to meet industry demands. In Ohio, however, the Associated General Contractors of America reported that over 10,000 construction workers were hired in 2023, the fifth highest rate among states.

Dorning-Savage added, “It is a unique craft, and people who work in the trades are highly skilled. They take pride in their work.”

Kilpatrick, now working on Habitat's 700th home, says her work goes beyond building houses — it’s about fulfilling a purpose. “I want to build for God," she said. "That's it. I love it. It's my joy. It's my peace. It's my happiness.”

Graduates of the program also have the opportunity to work a paid, full-time position for six weeks at Habitat for Humanity. This year, nearly 40 students successfully completed the program, equipping them with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the construction industry.