Labor, Trades and Workforce Development with Matt Price and Jake Kennedy

One of the less visible components of building a house is not just a key to unlocking better affordability, but also an economic ecosystem that provides career long opportunities to those willing to get their hands (just a little) dirty. On today’s episode of Framing the Issue, hosts Aaron Kersey and Morgan Smith sit down with Matt Price of Price Brothers Plumbing and Jake Kennedy of Builders Bridge to discuss how the industry of labor affects housing affordability, but also provides young people with a career path that can be rewarding financially without the burden of education-related debt. Matt and Jake talk about the evolving industry of labor, the importance of immigrant labor, and the opportunities available to those choosing that career path. Matt talks about how his family owned business trains new workers on the job and emphasizes the importance of real world experience, while Jake shows how organizations like Builders Bridge are making it possible for new workers to find placement within the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests 00:27 Guest Matt Price's background and experience in plumbing 02:12 Guest Jake Kennedy's background and family in construction 04:42 Getting into the construction industry: family influence and personal choices 08:55 Current landscape of entry-level jobs in the trades 09:21 The structure and diversity of a plumbing company 12:13 The importance and safety of plumbing work 14:02 The financial benefits and pay in the trades 16:03 Why people avoid trades and how to change perceptions 17:30 Entry wages and upward mobility in trades 20:03 Changing perceptions of trades among youth 22:01 Trade immersion tours for students 24:20 Impact of college debt and alternative career paths 28:37 Personal stories of career progression in trades 30:01 Experience vs. education in hiring decisions 32:04 Role of CTE and community college programs 35:40 Diversity, immigration, and workforce gaps in construction 40:02 Private equity's influence on small construction businesses 43:30 Advice to young people considering trades 46:27 Closing remarks and call to action Links: Builders Bridge DFW3UNW2MWZWFTKV