(The following is a sponsored post from the North Montco Technical Career Center.)
Derek Cataldi, a North Montco Technical Career Center Alumn
and Occupational Advisory Committee Member, speaks highly of the opportunities
afforded to him through his education at North Montco during the 1990s and his
construction trade experiences, especially during these challenging times.
Cataldi, currently a carpenter foreman with Ronin Construction, regularly connects with North Montco’s construction teacher, Malcolm Roach, and his carpentry students.
"As part of my graduation project, I entered a contest with the Carpenters Union,” said Cataldi. “For this highly competitive project, I built an 8 x 8 room interior in eight hours and placed second. It was that project that became my golden ticket to a great career with the Union Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC).”
Typically, when we think of essential personnel, medical professionals, grocery store employees and our emergency services (fire and police) are often the first that come to mind. If we think a little more about it, though, we quickly begin to connect what is vital to our survival and the jobs that support those needs. During the early days of this pandemic, we applauded workers as they made their way to their jobs each day, bravely confronting the many unknowns of COVID to make life better for all of us. And because they could continue to work through the uncertainty, they were afforded job security.
"There is a saying, that everyone needs a roof over their head, and carpenters build those roofs," said Cataldi, regarding the carpentry trade’s sustainability.
Similar to the roofing trade, there are advanced skills that can keep a carpenter in demand. Like other essential workers, construction workers contribute a considerable range of skills that significantly improve our way of life. Think of our expansive infrastructure that includes buildings, roads, power supplies and transportation. Because the upkeep of this infrastructure is critical to our everyday lives, these workers are always in demand.
Each year, Cataldi shares his message with North Montco Carpentry students. He argues that while work is available for carpenters, the challenge is finding skilled employees.
“Skill level is crucial, so I encourage workers to keep their skills relevant,“ said Cataldi
There are several certifications that carpenters can earn that will add to their job security. For example, during the mandated shutdowns due to COVID last March, carpenters equipped with additional certifications, such as a Level 3 Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA), had plenty of work. Credentials, such as those, enabled carpenters to expand their scope.
More importantly, specialized certifications do not cost union employees anything to earn. Certifications, coupled with a completed apprenticeship, can articulate to almost a year of college credits. And while not strongly recommended, there was enough work to put in 16-hour days, seven days a week.
Cataldi likes to see young men and women with the same passion he had getting into this field.
"Carpentry, formerly a mostly-male trade, is now catching the attention of young women,” said Cataldi. “Women are supported and encouraged in the Carpenters Union through the organization Sisters of the Brotherhood. One of this organization's goals is to promote women's numbers and the diversity of women in the UBC.”
As part of his collaboration with Mr. Roach, they would like to develop co-op work opportunities for students with his union employers. Salary progression is excellent too. Students can expect starting salaries of around $38,000 per-year. Wages will increase while participating in a four-year apprenticeship, and after acquiring some good experience, salaries can reach $100,000 per-year with no overtime.
Forecasting a great need for this kind of talent, Cataldi would like to see Mr. Roach’s program continue to grow. But for now, Mr. Roach is enjoying the interest students are taking to the trade and the robust enrollment that has been generated through help from partners like Cataldi.
See also:
Master Carpenter And Teacher Builds A Career Made To Last At North Montco Tech
Virtual And Hybrid Instruction At Its Best For High School Welding Students
North Montco Technical Career Center Launches Educational Foundation
Learn The Tools Of The Plumbing Trade At North Montco
North Montco Puts Youth Road Skills To The Test
