NC3 has some impressive Master Instructors in our ranks and this Instructor 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.

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Check out our Q&A session below to learn more about Wayne, his professional journey to becoming an instructor, his favorite part of being an NC3 Master Instructor, and more!

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What is your favorite part of Train-the-Trainers and being a Master Instructor?

Spending the week at the NC3-Gateway Technical College Train-the-Trainer was an amazing experience. The opportunity to connect and network with instructors from all across the country is incredible. I’ve made some true friends–not just professional acquaintances. Benchmarking different labs and seeing their setup is always insightful. Some provide great ideas for budgeting, while others offer innovative layouts. And then there’s Gateway Technical College, which feels like a university-level trades program–you can’t help but be impressed. It is such a cool place to teach during Train-the-Trainer week!

What would you say to instructors or schools considering joining the NC3 Master Instructor Team?

Absolutely do it – get involved and bring in the best educational opportunities to your CTE students and your local industry. As an NC3 Master Instructor, you’ll have the chance to connect with some of the most elite instructors in your field. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to curriculum development and collaborate with NC3’s Global Industry Partners like Trane and Snap-on’s Corporate Education Development team. Even if you’re not a Master Instructor or part of an NC3 Leadership School, NC3 provides valuable opportunities and resources you can take advantage of. But at those levels [M.I. or Leadership School] you can offer students more than ever before to help them grow their skills and knowledge. And the learning never stops – even as an instructor, I take away something new at every event, often from fellow educators.

How has being a Master Instructor translated to your ability to relate to your students?

Being a Master Instructor has shown me that our school isn’t alone—many others face similar challenges and complexities, and require flexibility depending on state requirements. Each Train-the-Trainer event I teach at reinforces that I’m helping improve educational opportunities for students and instructors across multiple states.

When my students find out I’m a Master Instructor certified in the program we’re offering, it reassures them that I know what I’m doing. It also gives them confidence that they’re receiving the same high-quality education as students in other states. Their reactions are always great—sometimes I’ll hear, “That’s impressive,” or “That’s what’s up, Mr. Hardin.”

If my students are smiling and having fun, I know their learning experience will be better. When you enjoy the process, learning becomes so much easier.

Who was the NC3 contact and the administrator who helped you start your journey to becoming a MI? How did/do they support you?

I was first introduced to NC3 when my Department Chair returned from a conference and encouraged us to explore it. He directed us to check out NC3, and I later attended a conference sponsored by Brady Services for North Carolina HVAC community college instructors. That’s where I first learned about NC3 and what they had to offer—I was immediately hooked.

When I got back, I told my Department Chair, “If you can find a way to fund this and get me certified, I’ll make it happen.”

Dominic Mascarella has been a fantastic Program Manager to work with, and I’ve also had the privilege of working with Chris Harris—another amazing NC3 Team Member. But I have to give a special shoutout to retired NC3 leader, Tim Solomon. He mentored me from the start, even giving me the nickname “Bubba”—whether I liked it or not! He said it was easier and that it fit me.

I still remember Tim pulling me aside, telling me to take the time to talk with NC3 and our Department Chair. He said, “Look them in the eye, be honest and humble—just like you’ve shown me.” Next thing I knew, I was in Tennessee shadowing Tim on my path to becoming a Master Instructor. I feel truly blessed to have administrators who support both me and this program.

What hobbies or other things do you do outside of school and NC3?

This is an embarrassing question the older I get – I’ve definitely turned myself into a workaholic. And honestly, some days still require that level of commitment to reach my goals.

That said, I do enjoy cooking, both indoors and out. Spending time with my family, especially my grandson, is always entertaining – he’s that perfect age, you know. I used to fish and trophy hunt, but I’ve put that on pause for now. These days, I’m trying my hand at growing the biggest and brightest flowers, and beehives might be next on my list.

I do have a personal goal of being considered a top industry influencer – someone known for breaking down complex tasks and helping new techs reach an experienced level faster with the right guidance. I was once told, “Find what you love to do, and it won’t feel like a job.” Aside from the administrative tasks, I truly love my job –  what it represents and the achievements that come with it. So yes, that saying holds true, and I can say I feel blessed to be paid to do something I enjoy.

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For information on Johnston Community College, please visit: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/

For information on NC3’s Partner Trane, please visit: https://www.nc3.net/partner-trane/

For information on NC3’s Train-the-Trainer program, please visit www.nc3.net/training