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.

Robby Frutchey

NC3 Master Instructor | Kubota | The Ohio State University – ATI

Robby Frutchey has dedicated his career to empowering the next generation of skilled professionals. He currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Power and Hydraulic Engineering Technologies program at The Ohio State University – ATI, where he specializes in power equipment, hydraulics, and welding. 

Check out the full article below to learn more about Robby, his professional journey to becoming an instructor, his favorite part of being an NC3 Master Instructor, and more!

Robby’s passion for education started early, sparked by a fourth-grade report he wrote on the role of educators, that inspired his lifelong goal of becoming a teacher. While still in high school, he gained hands-on experience as a lube technician at Sears Automotive, developing his mechanical skills over seven years. He later pursued agricultural education at Iowa State University, where he found a way to combine his love of agriculture with his passion for teaching. There, he had the privilege of teaching farm operation and management, small engines, welding, and electrical systems to future agricultural teachers in Iowa. 

These experiences ultimately brought him to Ohio State ATI, where for the past six years he has served as Program Coordinator. One of his proudest accomplishments has been integrating NC3 certifications into ATI’s associate degree program. By embedding credentials into coursework, he ensures students graduate not only with technical knowledge, but also with industry-recognized skills that prepare them to thrive in today’s workforce. 

Robby’s connection to NC3 began with the Kubota Tech program. After completing NC3’s Kubota Tech Level One training, he was invited to become a Master Instructor—an opportunity that has significantly expanded his knowledge, professional network, and teaching strategies. He especially values the collaborative spirit of NC3’s Train-the-Trainer events, where instructors from across the country share ideas and best practices. “I find that I take away just as many valuable tips and tricks from them as they take away from me,” he explains. “This collaborative process reinforces the curriculum we teach at Ohio State and ensures we all remain experts in our field.” 

Motivated by a desire to keep instruction hands-on and relevant, Robby continually seeks new ways to engage students and stay aligned with industry expectations. His work with NC3 and other professional development organizations allows him to bring current, real-world practices into the classroom. 

Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family, working on the family farm, and riding dirt bikes—staying just as hands-on in his personal life as he is in the classroom. 

Click to learn more about the The Ohio State University – ATI.

Click to learn more about NC3’s Partner, Kubota.

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