Our team at NC3 has some impressive employees in our ranks and this Staff Spotlight series aims to highlight the incredibly talented individuals who work with us. We’ll be featuring a new interview in our monthly newsletters, here on our website, and on our social media pages each month.

This month’s Staff Spotlight features NC3 team member, Jeff Nielsen. As NC3’s Marketing Director, Program Manager for 3M, and National Signing Day Coordinator, he wears many hats within our organization. Jeff’s days are never the same. He does everything from design work, to program management, and more!

Jeff has been inspired by the unlimited opportunities and potential that NC3 – through its partnerships – can provide to schools, instructors, and students of all ages. NC3’s 3M program currently has 61 instructors at 29 schools with over 2,000 trade school students! To date,872 industry-recognized Health and Safety Awareness program certifications have been issued to secondary and post-secondary students nationwide.

Jeff is also excited about leading the charge for NC3’s first-ever Virtual National Signing Day this year, which is taking place on April 15, 2021. On this celebratory day, students, parents, instructors, administration, counselors, industry partners, potential employers, local and government officials as well as local media will come together to celebrate the importance of students who are choosing to commit to technical education.

To learn more about Jeff, how he thinks NC3 has grown since he started working here, what he was most surprised to learn about the NC3 Network, and more, check out our Q&A session below!

What drew you to NC3 originally?

I started working with NC3 as a freelancer in 2009 during its infancy to develop marketing collateral, build a website, and ultimately help build the brand. During that time, I was working as Vice President of a community bank, and over the years, I continued to develop materials and build bonds with NC3. Eventually, those projects and relationships with schools and industry partners turned into a full-time position. This opportunity has given me a new perspective and immense appreciation for the makers and doers – both instructors and students – who share their knowledge and expertise to continue to help train tomorrow’s workforce and show us all the value of technical education.

What do you like most about your job?

Wearing multiple hats within the organization, my days are never the same. I love that! From design work, to program management, to my new role as the National Signing Day Coordinator for 2021 there’s never a dull moment! It’s very fulfilling.

I also love working with our instructors and industry partners. Seeing transformations of schools’ programs as schools and industry work together to create next-level curriculum, an amazing environment to teach, and using the exact equipment they will be using in their new career is inspiring. At NC3, we work hard every day to create “AHA” moments for everyone involved. That look in everyone’s eyes when these transformations take shape is truly rewarding.

What is your hidden talent? Or talents?

I love music! I love to sing and have been known to jump on stage with my sister who has a rock band in Tennessee (that’s correct…playing rock…in Tennessee). I recently picked up a guitar which has become my new obsession. Throw in some cowboy boots and this guy is headed for stardom. 

What were you most surprised to learn about NC3 during or shortly after you onboarded with the organization?

I think the thing that has surprised me most over the years is the unlimited opportunities and potential that NC3, through its partnerships, can provide to schools, instructors, and students of all ages. We’re creating new pathways to CTE and education as a whole. Giving students and industry unlimited opportunities that drive the financial well-being and ultimately the future success of communities across the country is highly impactful.

Has NC3 changed since you first got here? How so?

Being part of NC3 from the beginning and watching it grow into the amazing organization it is today has been truly amazing to me. The team has an amazing drive and passion for what they do, and with our leadership and support from industry the opportunities are endless. What started as an organization supporting one college and one industry partner has turned into a world-class organization that supports 190+ Leadership Schools, 1,000+ Certification Centers, and 13 industry partners. NC3 has truly become the next-level standard in career and technical education pathways. 

What was the best vacation you’ve ever had?

The best vacation I have ever had is…every vacation. Adventure awaits around every corner. You just have to go out there and look for it.

You’re happiest when _________________.

I’m happiest when I’m traveling. Seeing new places is exciting, but meeting new people and hearing their stories, and creating a true connection with them makes traveling very worthwhile. 

Want to learn more about NC3’s certifications through 3M or this year’s Virtual National Signing Day?! Click here to contact Jeff today.