Success Stories

SUCCESS begins with Derek Cataldi

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. Cataldi is currently a carpenter foreman with Ronin Construction.  Cataldi explains, "As part of my graduation project, I entered a contest with the Carpenters Union. For this highly competitive project, I built an 8 x 8 room interior in 8 hours and placed second! It was that project that became my golden ticket to a great career with the Union Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC).”

 Cataldi comments specifically on the carpentry trade's sustainability.  "There is a saying that everyone needs a roof over their head, and carpenters build those roofs." 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 these structures' upkeep is critical to our everyday lives, these workers are always in demand.

Cataldi shares this 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. “ 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 these, 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 translate 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. 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.”  According to Cataldi, salary progression is excellent too. Students can expect starting salaries of around $38,000 a year. Wages will increase while participating in a four-year apprenticeship, and after acquiring some good experience, salaries can reach $100,000.00 a year with no overtime! 
 

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SUCCESS begins with Ryan Saunders

After spending four years in North Montco’s Protective Services program and graduating in 2002, Ryan continued his education at the Montgomery County Police Academy. From there, he worked as a Hatfield dispatcher and then became a Temple University Police Officer for five years. He spent the next seven years with the Philadelphia Police Department. In 2017, he joined the Hatfield Township Police Department.

Ryan's personal message is, “if you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.”

 

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SUCCESS begins with Ronald Godshall

Since 1984, Ronald Godshall has been employed at Godshall’s Quality Meats and was promoted to president in 2019. Ron attended NMTCC in the Electronic Servicing program, graduating high school in 1989. Ron feels he gained confidence and felt inspired while attending NMTCC, stating  “it was all logical, no hunches or emotions, just fact. The light is either on or it’s not.” He used the skills he learned at NMTCC to help fix equipment at Godshall’s Quality Meats. In his 20s, he started learning more about the meat business and continued to grow in the business. He learned how to run the first smokehouse and continued to learn more each day on the job.

Ron’s advice to younger students is, “Find something you like to do and make a job out of it. Most importantly, find other people with the passion and drive to help you accomplish your goals.”
 

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SUCCESS begins with Kelly Matz

Kelly became interested in graphic arts when she started at NMTCC in 10^th grade.  Her creative nature led her to the graphic arts program and she’s never looked back. Kelly worked in the copy center at NMTCC when she was a student and feels it helped her become “more independent and confident both as a young professional and as a student.”

After graduating high school in 2009, Kelly went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design from Antonelli Institute and was valedictorian of her graduating class. In 2018, Kelly started her position as a Graphic Designer at beMarketing.

Kelly’s advice to younger students is, “Treat every opportunity like it’s your destiny. Prepare for presentations like you’re interviewing for your dream job. Only present work that you’re truly proud of. Pay attention to details and never sell yourself short.”
 

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SUCCESS begins with Jared Spackman

Jared continues to find success as a graphic artist. While in high school, he attended NMTCC's Graphic Arts program. Upon graduation from high school, he followed his passion and furthered his education at Antonelli Institute. 

Jared Spackman is an industry-inspiring graphic designer in the Philadelphia region. He has worked at Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) since March of 2017, starting as an intern. In May of 2018, Jared graduated Summa Cum Laude in his Associate’s Degree program and transitioned to full-time work.

Jared’s dedication to creative initiatives has shown success to the VFTCB’s over-arching strategy of community outreach and tourism promotion for Montgomery County, PA. He has designed hundreds of tourism-related projects and has heavily assisted with both envisioning and executing the creative strategy behind numerous company events.

His experience in the creative field goes beyond designing. Team management, Photography, and Digital Art are also skills Jared has aggressively developed. He has overseen the responsibilities of two interns, photographed company events, and creative direction of numerous large-scale VFTCB projects including the design of the Montgomery County, PA, Visitor Center at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Today, Jared is working at the VFTCB with an eagerness to build upon its inspirational brands, as well as inspiring those who visit the Montgomery County, PA area to fall in love with all it has to offer.
 

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SUCCESS begins with Jorge Campacci

Jorge’s career in the automotive industry started because of his passion for cars and the knowledge provided by NMTCC. He began his career at North Penn Mazda as an entry-level technician in 1996. As a result of the career jump-start he received by completing the AYES certification, he excelled through manufacturer-sponsored training for Mazda and was awarded Master Technician status at 23 years of age. 

In 2003, he was promoted to Service Consultant at North Penn Mazda and by late 2003 was promoted to Service Manager. He then represented the entire NE region of dealers for Mazda Service Departments. In 2019, Jorge became the Director of Fixed Operations at North Penn Imports, Inc.
 

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SUCCESS begins with James Moffo

Unsure of what to do after high school, James attended NMTCC hoping to pursue a career in Carpentry. After visiting the HVAC program, James’ interest in HVAC peaked. While attending high school, James secured a position with a HVAC company. His employer sent him to Delaware County Community College after high school to further his education.

Using the skills and training he learned over the years, James is successfully continuing his employment at Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling as the Installation and Service Manager.