Building Confident Technicians

December 11, 2025 Industry Source 253 Views 0 Comments Manufacturing Education

Jonathan’s connection to the NC3 network began when he was a student in the automotive program at Wayne Community College, where NC3’s Director of Development, Craig Foucht served as department chair and an NC3 Master Instructor. During his time at Wayne, Jonathan earned numerous NC3 micro-credentials embedded in the curriculum, including Snap-on and Starrett certifications, giving him firsthand experience with the value of industry-recognized credentials. Building Confident Technicians.

After several years working in industry, Jonathan returned to post-secondary education as an instructor at Johnston Community College. There, he partnered with NC3 to embed Snap-on, Starrett, Kubota, and Thermo King certifications into the Diesel and Heavy-Duty Equipment Technology program, expanding career-ready pathways for his students.

Jonathan has continued to excel within the NC3 network and was nominated to serve nationally as an NC3 Master Instructor for the Snap-on Certification Program. He is currently in the process of completing his training to become an NC3 Master Instructor for the Thermo King Program as well.

For Jonathan, industry-backed credentials anchor the professionalism, relevance, and real-world alignment he believes every technical education program must deliver.

“Being able to bring industry-recognized certifications into the classroom creates a strong sense of professionalism and shows clear alignment with industry demand,” he explains. “It shows students that these credentials are more than a piece of paper—they’re true résumé boosters that make employers take notice.”

Today, Johnston Community College offers over 40 NC3 certifications, including Snap-on, Kubota, Festo, Trane, and the newly added Thermo King program—each strengthening workforce pathways for students across Jonathan’s community in North Carolina.

Certifications That Change Trajectories

Jonathan can easily recall the moment he realized how profoundly NC3 certifications could reshape a student’s life.

He tells the story of Braden, a now graduate who wasn’t sure whether to pursue highway trucks or off-road equipment — until he began working through the Kubota TECH credentials and Kubota University online training. “You could see a light come on,” Jonathan shares. Braden’s interest sharpened, his questions deepened, and eventually Jonathan connected him with a local Kubota dealer. From there, everything accelerated. Braden was hired part-time while still in school, quickly impressing his employer with the NC3 certifications he had already completed. Upon graduation, he was offered a full-time position and has since continued to excel with the company, even being sent to Atlanta recently for advanced training. “That was a very big impact for sure,” Jonathan says — and one of his favorite stories to tell.

Why Hands-On Curriculum Matters

For Jonathan, the strength of the NC3 curriculum lies in its blend of classroom instruction with meaningful, skill-based labs. “Typically, students’ attention span is not great, so we can present curriculum until we turn blue in the face,” he laughs. “But when we can stop, step into the shop, and complete labs based on exactly what we just discussed — that’s where retention happens.” Instead of simply absorbing information, students practice repeatedly, building confidence and gaining clarity about which career path might fit them best. This rhythm of learn it → do it → discuss it → do it again is central to Jonathan’s teaching philosophy, and it’s a hallmark of the NC3 instructional model.

A Growing Sense of Confidence & Professionalism

Since implementing NC3 certifications, Jonathan has seen a powerful shift in his students—most notably in their confidence and ability to stand out in the workforce. “Students often come in with just a general idea of what they’re going to study, but the NC3 certifications help them discover what they truly enjoy and what they’re good at.”

He’s also seen how certifications give his students a competitive edge. “If I have a student who has completed multiple NC3 certifications versus someone who hasn’t, the scales are tipped toward the NC3 student,” Jonathan explains. “It shows they’ve been exposed to the technology and that they’re willing to train, grow, and become a well-rounded technician.”

Building Strong Industry Partnerships

One of the most transformative benefits of implementing NC3 programs has been the expansion of local employer relationships and advisory support. Thermo King — newly added to Johnston Community College’s program — is a perfect example.

“When our local dealers heard about it, it was like hitting the lottery,” Jonathan recalls. After reviewing the Thermo King credentials and competencies with several Johnston Community College stakeholders, including a local Thermo King Vice President of Sales, the Director of Maintenance, and a local foreman on his advisory board, Jonathan said the industry partners were impressed and shocked by the workforce alignment of these micro-credentials. “One gentleman said, ‘I have technicians we hire who don’t even know how to open up the unit — for this to be taking place at Johnston Community College is incredible.” The partnership blossomed instantly.

Thermo King has been very supportive in providing parts and components and offering new training opportunities. Kubota has similarly deepened its engagement, as local employers and dealers recognize the strong foundational skills students gain through NC3-aligned curriculum.

Johnston has also implemented knowledge, skills, and assessment (KSA) documents. With QR-coded ranking forms to gather direct industry feedback during advisory board meetings. A system that further strengthens alignment and trust.

NC3, he notes, has “definitely increased our program’s credibility, employers know when they hire a graduate — technology is changing constantly so they’re always going to be learning — but they know once they hire a technician from us, they’re going to have a good foundation they can continue to build on.”

Why NC3 Matters for the Future of Education

Jonathan connects the significance of NC3 credentials to a broader national need.

After attending a National Science Foundation conference, he was struck by Dr. Kevin Fleming’s message. Colleges must return to teaching what is relevant to industry. “That stuck with me,” Jonathan says. “NC3 teaches what industry partners need. What employers are looking for. What makes students employable.”

As technology changes rapidly across diesel, heavy equipment, and transportation sectors, industry alignment is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Jonathan believes NC3 certifications help ensure that:

students graduate prepared,

employers gain confident entry-level technicians,

and programs stay anchored to real workforce demands.

Looking Ahead

Jonathan and his students are part of NC3’s historic one million certification milestone. He feels immense pride knowing their program contributed to a moment that reflects national momentum in skilled technical education.

“Seeing this growth is a reiteration of the demand for technical education and the technical workforce,” he says. “It’s exciting to be part of it.” With strong partnerships, motivated students, and an instructor dedicated to excellence, Johnston Community College continues to demonstrate what high-quality CTE can achieve.

Source: Building Confident Technicians