Need a career switch? How to join a union for construction trades even if you have no experience!

On the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, the best podcast for affordable housing investments hosted by Kent Fai He, Mick Penn, Northern California Director of Community Relations and Business Development at Swinerton, provides a comprehensive breakdown of the intersection between affordable housing development and workforce inclusion. This episode addresses the critical challenge of meeting local hire requirements and building a skilled labor pipeline to ensure that affordable housing projects benefit the communities they serve.Navigating Labor, Unions, and Community ImpactThis conversation moves beyond general construction talk to provide technical clarity on how labor forces are actually assembled for large-scale affordable housing projects. Mick Penn explains the nuances of union structures, the legalities of local hire mandates, and the strategies for managing small business participation. This episode is essential for folks who know nothing about trades and unions in the construction industry.Why This Episode Matters for the Housing IndustryFor developers and investors, this episode clarifies the operational risks associated with labor and community relations. It informs the decision-making process for selecting general contractors who can meet diversity and local hire goals without compromising project timelines. For housing advocates, it demonstrates a proven model for how the bricks and mortar of affordable housing can serve as a catalyst for local economic development and workforce stabilization.Common Questions This Episode Answers• How can a resident join a construction union for local projects?• How can I get a job in the construction trades?• How do I get educated so I can get myself into the door for consideration for a construction job?• What does it mean for a project to have a 30% local hire goal?• How do general contractors support small subcontractors?• What is the difference between list trades and hunt trades in construction unions?• How do local hire requirements impact an affordable housing project?• What are the biggest challenges for small businesses in affordable housing?Please share this podcast episode with 1 person who you know who might be interested in the construction industry!Please follow Mick Penn on LinkedIn and reach out to him via email: [email protected]: This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, insurance, or tax advice. This is not an offer or solicitation for any investments. Always do your own research before making investment decisions. 00:00 Podcast Trailer 04:09 Intro12:19 EXPLAINED: How Construction Jobs Are Filled Through Trade Unions16:59 Why are relationships the most important thing in construction?20:12 What is #1 Skill that someone has to learn to be successful in Construction?27:08 What's the difference between Open Shop Labor vs Unionized Labor? 30:59 Looking for a new job? How to join a union (Construction trade apprenticeship process explained)32:37 How to Get Into Construction Trades (Pre-Apprenticeship to Union Path) 35:49 How Do You Get Into a Union Apprenticeship Program if You Have No Experience or Connections?48:13 Why Is Affordable housing (i.e. lack of supply)  Hard to Solve?51:37 Where/How to contact Mick?