Episode #16: Diversity and Equity in the Industry

In Episode 16 of Let’s Talk Shop, host Angie Simon, CEO, Western Allied Mechanical, chats with Leah Rambo, Training Director and Fund Administrator at Sheet Metal Workers Local 28, about the diversity requirements required in the building trades in NYC and how they ensure opportunities in the trade remain equitable and competitive.

“In 1975, a lot of the building trades at the time were not diverse, and they looked at them and found there was a lot of nepotism going on. And Local 28 was no different,” says Rambo. Over the last 10 years, Local 28 has really been trying to figure out what steps need to be taken to continue keeping things diverse and equitable.

One way they do this is by monitoring workers’ hours. “What are people’s hours? What are their pension hours? How are they being rotated? Are they having the same work opportunities? Are they having the same opportunities for education? We really keep a close eye on that,” says Rambo.

“The apprenticeship program tends to be more diverse … than the membership.”

Listen to the full episode* to learn more about diversity enforcement and retention in the industry.

*Episodes of Let’s Talk Shop can be played on SoundCloud and iTunes.