NC3 has some impressive team members 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.

Cody Eckert

This month’s Staff Spotlight features Cody Eckert… NC3’s Program Manager for Snap-on, Starrett & DMC!

Before joining NC3, Cody held the position of Chief Operating Officer at MUN Impact, a non-profit organization that aims to educate young people about sustainability issues and inspire them to initiate and implement sustainability projects on a global scale. Cody co-founded the organization and played a crucial role in its growth, which currently extends to over 170 countries and serves more than 40,000 young people.

In his role as Program Manager here at NC3, Cody is proud that in 2022 NC3 issued over 85,000 Snap-on, Starrett & DMC certifications at 775 schools/institutions. In 2023, NC3 is expected to surpass this number and issue over 100,000 certifications, which showcases the program’s growing success and impact! Cody is excited that these certifications help bridge the skills gap in the industry and provide students with essential technical skills for their future careers.

Check out our Q&A session below to learn more about Cody, what originally drew him to NC3, some fun elements of working with NC3 he only learned about after he started working with us, and more!

What drew you to NC3 originally? 

I was initially drawn to NC3 because of their strong commitment to technical education and their dedication to helping educators and students succeed. I was impressed by the passion and expertise of my colleagues, who were always willing to go above and beyond to promote and develop these educational programs. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of students and educators alike was truly inspiring.

What are some fun elements of working with NC3 that you only learned about after you started working here?

One fun element of working with NC3 that I only learned after starting is the bi-weekly meetings with all of the program managers. These meetings provide a great opportunity to hear what everyone is working on, share best practices, and build camaraderie. The icebreaker activities during these meetings are fun and allow us to learn more about each other’s lives outside of work. Overall, it’s a great way to stay connected and engaged with the team.

What was the largest obstacle you faced during your NC3 onboarding? How did you overcome this challenge?

During my NC3 onboarding, the biggest challenge I faced was the steep learning curve of acquiring a lot of new information in a short amount of time. However, I overcame this obstacle by relying on the support and expertise of my colleagues, who were always willing to help me out and answer my questions. Their guidance and encouragement helped me become more confident in my role and make a smoother transition into my new position.

What do you like to do on your days off?

On my days off, I enjoy exploring new places and learning about different cultures, history, and art by visiting museums, parks, and other cultural sites. I find it enriching to expand my knowledge and perspective by seeking out new experiences. Additionally, I like to take long walks and drives to clear my mind and recharge.

What would you say is the best vacation you’ve ever had?

The most memorable vacation I had was when I embarked on a two-month motorcycle journey through Vietnam. Despite having no prior experience with motorcycles, I quickly learned how to ride and covered nearly 2,000 miles during the trip. The journey was full of highlights, such as wakeboarding in Ha Long Bay and living with a local family for a week after my motorcycle broke down in the countryside. I also had the opportunity to sample unique local cuisine (including cobra), and catch a Mekong Giant Catfish.

What would you tell someone in high school about the years to come? 

As you move beyond high school, it’s important to remember that the foundation you’ve built for yourself will set the tone for your future. Developing good study habits, pursuing your passions, and exploring your interests will continue to be critical components of your success. However, it’s also important to enjoy the journey and make the most of your experiences. By taking risks and trying new things, you can discover your true passions and unlock new opportunities for growth and fulfillment in the years to come.

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Do you want to learn more about Cody and/or NC3’s Snap-on, Starrett & DMC certifications he oversees? Click here to contact him today.