NC3 - National Coalition of Certification Centers

09/10/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 NC3 Visionary Award recipients!

At the NC3 Annual Leadership Summit, we recognized leaders, educators, and industry champions whose dedication is strengthening workforce development and creating opportunities for students across the country.

Founders Award Recipients:
Pat Archambault, Dr. Ernie White, & Earl Bailey

Leadership Award Recipients: Maureen Tholen & Dr. Dan Kinney

Industry Partner Instructors of the Year
• Festo: John Pendleton, Rockingham Community College
• Starrett: Aurora Pecarovich, Fresno City College
• Tormach: Jeremy Dutton, Gateway Technical College
• Snap-on: Clint Meyer, Iowa Western Community College
• Kubota: Edward "Buddy" Salter, Center for Career Innovation
• Lincoln Electric: Randy Hammond, Wallace State Community College

The 2026 Visionary Awards remind us that meaningful change begins with passionate individuals who are willing to lead, innovate, and invest in the future of their students.

🎥 Watch the video and help us celebrate these outstanding honorees! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrBcw92Nldw

Learn more: https://www.nc3.net/2026/09/04/2026-nc3-visionary-awards/

Every year, the NC3 Visionary Awards recognize the educators, admin...

09/01/2026

📢 Registration is officially OPEN!

Join us for our next Train-the-Trainer event at Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ — January 11-15, 2027.
This is your chance to get hands-on training and take it back to your program. Grow your own expertise and prepare to certify your students!

Spots fill fast — secure yours today 👇
🔗bit.ly/PIMATTT69
📍 Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ
🗓️ Jan 11-15, 2027

08/21/2026

At NC3, we believe strong partnerships between education and industry create life-changing opportunities for students and stronger communities.

That's why we were proud to celebrate the grand opening of the new KTEC Schools of Innovation campus in Kenosha, WI. As an NC3 Leadership School, KTEC continues to set a high standard for CTE by connecting students with hands-on learning experiences, industry-recognized certifications, and pathways to high-demand careers.

Congratulations to KTEC, its educators, students, industry partners, and community leaders on this exciting milestone. Alongside our global industry partners Festo Didactic North America, Lincoln Electric, Snap-on Tools, Greenlee Tools, and RIDGID Tools, we are honored to be part of the journey and look forward to seeing the lasting impact this investment will have on the next generation of skilled professionals!

Read more about the event: https://www.nc3.net/2026/08/19/ktec-grand-opening/

08/17/2026

Strong industry partnerships are key to building the future workforce. We're proud to collaborate with Lincoln Electric through the LEEPS program to provide educators and students with access to cutting-edge welding training and competency-based certifications that support lifelong career success.

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

Join NC3 at Wayne Community College for Train-the-Trainer, October 5-9, 2026! Spend the week learning from NC3 Master Instructors, earning industry-recognized certifications, collaborating with peers from across the nation, and gaining hands-on experience with today's most in-demand technologies.

Whether you're interested in robotics, industrial systems, HVAC, mechatronics, or advanced manufacturing technologies, this week offers valuable professional development for everyone!

Secure your spot today! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/5bAYj0U/TTTWCC2026

Starrett
Festo Didactic North America
Trane

07/29/2026

We were proud to attend the 2026 Haas Technical Education Community (HTEC) Annual Conference hosted by NC3 Leadership School, Calhoun Community College this week!

This globally attended event brings together educators from around the world to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another while advancing the future of technical education and workforce training.

We’re excited to support opportunities that strengthen career pathways, expand hands-on learning, and help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

It was great to be part of such an impactful event.
GO WARHAWKS!