Richfield Training Center Staff
Michael A. Papalia, Director
Michael A. Papalia is the training director for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America’s largest training program in Ohio: The Northeast Ohio Carpenters’ Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NEOJATC) facility.
Papalia is a member of the Cuyahoga Community College construction board, an advisory group that works with Ohio community colleges to combine associate degree programs with the NEOJATC’s apprenticeship programs, as well as those of 12 other trades’ programs. He also serves on the UBC International Training Advisory Group, which sets direction and standards for apprenticeship programs nationwide, and the Mine Safety Appliance construction national advisory board.
Since assuming the training director’s role at NEOJATC, Papalia has launched a new computer lab, implemented a Web site, initiated an Internet-based journeyman upgrade schedule, introduced a peer-mentoring program, and developed contractor needs programs. He is currently working with local high schools to develop curriculums that will qualify high school graduates for advanced placement in NEOJATC apprenticeship programs.
Papalia believes that the foundation of any successful educational program is the teaching staff. “A good teacher has to have both knowledge and a passion for their craft,” he says. “A teacher has to be a great communicator and listener; a good teacher is flexible and responds to the needs of the class.” Papalia says the partnership with community colleges, open communications with industry leaders that keep programs on track with market needs and a responsive and responsible board of directors are important components in the NEOJATC’s success.
Papalia worked as a carpenter for 14 years before moving into education and administration. He is a certified trainer in a number of safety-related programs and has completed management courses at Cuyahoga Community College and Baldwin Wallace College. He has served as a national representative for the UBC International Health and Safety Fund and as a staff member in the UBC legislative department. He also worked as a safety consultant to the steel, mining and construction industries before accepting the post at the NEOJATC.
ADMINISTRATIVE
- Winny Clark
- Bonnie Golden
- Nancy Kmetz
- Carrie McGinty