“What really makes teaching trades special for me is seeing students surprise themselves. Some walk in thinking they aren’t builders or problem-solvers. They don’t see themselves as technical at all. But when they actually make something—design it, build it, and hold it in their hands—you can see everything shift. They sit up straighter. They talk with more confidence. That spark is why I do this.”
Benjamin Peters teaches industrial technology at Nekoosa High School in Nekoosa, WI. Growing up on a farm shaped him early on; fixing broken equipment and handling daily repairs taught him how much skill and creativity go into making things work. He earned advanced degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and intended to be an engineer. He achieved national recognition for rapid prototyping and earned first place in the Lemelson-MIT National Invention competition. However, Peters found that his real passion was in seeing students light up when they realized what they could build. Peters strongly believes that skilled trades aren’t just coming back—they’re leading the future and that he is here to help make that happen.
In his classroom, Peters built the CADFABLAB, where every student has their own high-speed 3D printer and constantly works on hands-on projects. Students design, prototype, and build every day, and Peters’ classroom is an inviting and welcome place where they take charge. Students leave not only with technical knowledge in working with high-speed splicers and welding, but with confidence and direction to solve problems and think like inventors. Students earn dual credit for MidState Technical College and earn certifications in AutoDesk Fusion and also promote the program at school board meetings and local radio (WFHR) to talk about their projects. Students have the opportunity to vote on and display the top projects on a “Wall of Fame.” Ultimately, Peters has created a culture where creativity, collaboratively learning from mistakes, and listening to students and adapting to their needs and interests on the fly are essential.
Notes of Excellence
- Peters’ CADFABLAB has inspired other schools in Wisconsin to look into this model. He has mentored new teachers and led professional development on emerging technologies.
- Peters co-designed a class called “Physics in Engineering”, which mixes the skilled trades with science credit so that more students, especially those who are not on the standard college pathway– get hands-on, high-level learning.
- A team of Peters’ students designed and printed a mobility walker for their local senior center, tested it, and improved it—all in a week One student even started an Etsy shop, selling fidgets she designed and printed in the CADFABLAB.
- At the end of bigger projects, students pitch their designs in a “Shark Tank” style presentation, sharing their prototypes and test results.