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NC3 Celebrates a Successful Week at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference
NC3 was proud to return to the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference for another exciting year of connecting with students, educators, and industry partners while expanding opportunities for workforce development through industry-recognized certifications and professional development.
Throughout the week, the NC3 team welcomed hundreds of visitors to Booth #406, where students, instructors, and industry professionals learned more about NC3's certification programs, workforce initiatives, and industry partnerships. One of the highlights at the booth was recognizing members of the NC3 Network who had earned an NC3 certification. Students and instructors proudly received exclusive NC3 certification pins, celebrating their commitment to technical excellence and career readiness.
Supporting Instructors Through Professional Development
In partnership with SkillsUSA, NC3 once again offered instructor professional development designed to bring the latest industry knowledge directly into classrooms.
This year's training included:
- Snap-on Hand Tool Identification, Safety, and Usage
- Starrett Precision Measuring Instruments Modules 1 & 2
- Snap-on Multimeter 525F
- 3M Worker Health and Safety Awareness (PPE): Hearing Protection and Head, Eye, & Face Protection
- Trane Data Analytics I: Harness the Power of Data
- Festo Introduction to Robotics
These hands-on sessions provided instructors with practical skills, updated technical knowledge, and industry-recognized certifications they can immediately apply in their programs to better prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and emerging technologies.
A New Milestone: NC3 Joins the SkillsUSA Immersive Experience
One of the biggest milestones of this year's conference was NC3's participation in the SkillsUSA Immersive Experience for the first time.
The immersive experience allowed students to participate in hands-on activities while earning valuable industry-recognized credentials. During the event, NC3 certified 73 students, providing certifications in:
- 3M Worker Health and Safety Awareness (PPE): Head, Eye, & Face Protection
- Snap-on Hand Tool Identification, Safety, and Usage Modules 1 & 5
By integrating certifications into this interactive experience, students not only strengthened their technical knowledge but also left the conference with credentials they can immediately apply as they begin their careers.
For many participants, the certifications represented more than just an accomplishment—they were a tangible step toward their future.
"This experience was impactful because I will be able to use the certifications that I gained immediately in my career." — Kaden Sanchez, Arizona
Students also appreciated the opportunity to connect with industry professionals while gaining valuable credentials.
"I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet professionals who answered our questions, gain credentials from NC3, and explore massive stadiums!" — Cazimir Cunningham, Tennessee
For others, earning an NC3 certification became one of the most memorable moments of the week.
"My favorite highlight was meeting new people and touring the Braves stadium, as well as being Hand Tool ID certified. This was truly a blessing and an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life. Thank you!" — Easton Stephens, Georgia
Beyond the technical skills, students recognized how the experience reinforced the importance of professional growth and lifelong learning.
"Throughout the program, I gained valuable knowledge not only about construction but also about essential soft skills. The experience helped me better understand how to communicate effectively, work as part of a team, and handle difficult situations with confidence and professionalism. The opportunity to earn a credential and immediately add it to my resume was appreciated. This was a nice way to end the experience after hearing from professionals about how important it is to show your skills by earning credentials." — Mohammad Al-Towaiti, Virginia
These reflections reinforce the value of combining hands-on learning, industry engagement, and recognized credentials to help students build confidence and prepare for successful careers. NC3 is proud to have been part of this year's immersive experience and looks forward to expanding these opportunities for even more students in the future.
Strengthening the Pathway from Education to Industry
Events like the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration between education and industry. Whether through instructor professional development, student certifications, or meaningful conversations at the NC3 booth, every interaction reinforced a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.
NC3 extends its sincere thanks to every student, instructor, industry partner, and volunteer who helped make this year's conference such a success. We are honored to partner with SkillsUSA in creating meaningful learning experiences that equip students with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed for successful careers.
We look forward to continuing this momentum and seeing everyone again next year.
Click here to view all photos from the week.
