Honoring Institutions Leading the Way in Workforce Education

As we reflect on another year of innovation, collaboration, and growth, it’s clear the strength of the NC3 Network lies in the dedication of our schools and their unwavering commitment to student success.  

NC3 is proud to celebrate the recipients of the 2025 Annual NC3 Institutional Awards! 

These NC3 institutions are transforming lives, equipping students with industry-recognized skills, and driving economic impact in their communities. To conclude 2025, NC3 proudly recognizes its top-performing schools with annual awards. We are proud to present Mech-Tech College, WSU Tech, Odessa College, Gateway Technical College, and Career and Technical Education Center (CTECH) of Hobbs for their outstanding achievements within the NC3 Network. 

The 2025 START Award

The 2025 START Award is awarded to CTECH – Hobbs in recognition of being one of the top high schools in the NC3 Network to develop and implement industry partnerships, drive innovation and empower student development. 

CTECH – Hobbs in Hobbs, New Mexico, is a recognized leader in Career and Technical Education, setting the standard for NC3 certification integration at the secondary level. The school offers robust pathways in Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Building Trades, and Automotive, providing students with hands-on, industry-aligned training. Through its continued investment in high-quality certifications, modern facilities, and strong industry partnerships, CTECH–Hobbs equips students with real-world skills that prepare them for both immediate employment and long-term career success—positioning the program as a national model for secondary CTE excellence. 

NC3 is also honored to be celebrating four certification race awards to schools that issued the most industry-recognized certifications to their students across the 2,100+ schools in the NC3 Network in 2025. 

The 2025 Enterprise Award

Mech-Tech College in Caguas, Puerto Rico, earned the 2025 Enterprise Award as the #1 top-performing school in the NC3 Network, issuing an impressive 9,580 NC3 certifications. Mech-Tech has been the recipient of the Enterprise Award for 9 years showcasing its dedication to technical education across all career pathways and technical programs.  

The 2025 Dennis Iudice Award Recipients

Boasting 7,421, 4,522, and 3,821 issued certifications respectively, the Dennis Iudice Memorial Awards are presented to three schools that issued the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th highest number of industry-recognized certifications among all schools in the NC3 Network. Named in memory of founding NC3 Master Instructor Dennis Iudice, this year’s awards honor institutions that exemplify excellence in skills certification training. The 2025 recipients—WSU Tech, Odessa College, and Gateway Technical College, and —are recognized for going above and beyond in their contributions to career and technical education. These institutions have demonstrated true leadership and commitment to advancing workforce readiness. 

WSU Tech in Wichita, Kansas, continues to set the pace in Career and Technical Education as one of NC3’s highest-performing institutions. As a national NC3 Train-the-Trainer site for instructor professional development, WSU Tech exemplifies innovation and leadership in workforce training. The institution serves as a model of excellence by integrating industry-recognized certifications across numerous programs, ensuring students are prepared for high-demand careers.  

Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, continues to be recognized for its strong commitment to student success through high-quality Career and Technical Education. Building on its momentum, the college has further strengthened its CTE pathways, expanded its NC3 industry-recognized certification offerings, and grown its local dual enrollment partnerships, increasing skilled trades access for high school students. Through close alignment with community needs and industry partners, Odessa College remains a driving force in regional workforce development and economic growth. 

Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a founding institution of the NC3 Network, continues to lead through innovation and excellence in workforce education. As a consistent top-performing NC3 institution, Gateway has strengthened regional industry partnerships and advanced modern CTE pathways aligned with employer needs. Through its ongoing commitment to optimizing industry-recognized certifications and student-centered program design, Gateway Technical College remains a national leader in workforce development and community impact. 

Congratulations to these incredibly high-achieving institutions! You are global leaders in career and technical education! 

To learn more about the NC3 Membership Network, please visit NC3.net. You can also follow NC3 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay connected throughout the year.