September 1, 2025
Across the U.S., manufacturers are struggling to fill jobs with qualified talent. The skills gap in advanced manufacturing continues to widen, but one Wisconsin teacher is proving that the solution starts in the classroom.
Meet Joe Leonhard, Tormach’s 2025 Instructor of the Year. A Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Sheboygan Central High School, Leonhard is a champion for at-risk students and a firm believer in the power of hands-on, certification-backed CNC machining education. With help from Tormach and NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers), Joe is doing more than teaching machining - he’s building futures.
CNC Machine Education with Real-World Impact
Leonhard teaches a wide range of technical subjects, from welding to automotive, but one of the most transformative elements of his program is CNC Fundamentals - a certification-based course powered by Tormach’s xsTECH desktop CNC router and NC3 curriculum.
“I absolutely love working with students who’ve faced challenges,” said Leonhard. “Our goal is to give them an upward hand and prepare them for a future they may have never thought was possible.”
In a school where many students face poverty or homelessness, Joe’s program helps students earn stackable, industry-recognized credentials in CNC machining. Credentials that help them enter the workforce with confidence and a competitive edge.
In fact, in just a few years, Sheboygan Central High School’s program has exploded in size. The school certified just 13 students in its first year. A few years later in 2025? Over 380 certifications were awarded (in a school of only 200 students).
What Is the xsTECH Desktop CNC Router?
At the heart of this transformation is Tormach’s xsTECH Router, a compact yet powerful desktop CNC machine designed for classrooms and makerspaces.
The xsTECH is:
Because it’s affordable and space-saving, the xsTECH is a go-to tool for educators like Joe who want to maximize access to CNC training, even in unconventional classroom settings.
“We’re in a building from 1922, and I roll every machine in and out of a storage room,” said Leonhard. “The compact footprint of the xsTECH makes it possible to teach CNC without needing a full shop.”
The Power of Certification + Curriculum
Tormach’s partnership with NC3 provides a turnkey certification curriculum that aligns directly with industry needs. The CNC Fundamentals Certification covers:
And once educators complete NC3’s “Train-the-Trainer” course, they have everything needed to start teaching, no curriculum writing required.
“This program wasn’t created by educators…it was created by industry professionals,” said Leonhard. “That’s the beauty of it. It’s what employers need. So it’s exactly what students need to be productive and knowledgeable for their future careers.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Machinists
Sheboygan County, where Leonhard teaches, is home to powerhouse manufacturers like Kohler, Vollrath, Bemis, and Oshkosh Defense. These companies are hiring, and thanks to Joe’s program, his students are ready. Some now work as full-time CNC programmers earning strong salaries straight out of high school.
“Our local industry can’t get enough machinists,” he said. “My students are getting jobs faster than ever, and they’re proud of what they’ve earned.”
Tormach + NC3: Supporting Teachers Nationwide
Joe Leonhard’s story is one of hundreds emerging from schools across the U.S. that partner with Tormach and NC3. Whether your classroom is in a state-of-the-art CTE center or an adapted general ed room, we provide:
As the skills gap grows and American manufacturing demands more talent, educators like Joe are answering the call. And Tormach is proud to support them every step of the way.
“You can be an excellent engineer and never make a functioning part,” Leonhard said. “But when students learn both the programming and the hands-on, that’s when the magic happens.”
September 1, 2025
Across the U.S., manufacturers are struggling to fill jobs with qualified talent. The skills gap in advanced manufacturing continues to widen, but one Wisconsin teacher is proving that the solution starts in the classroom.
Meet Joe Leonhard, Tormach’s 2025 Instructor of the Year. A Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Sheboygan Central High School, Leonhard is a champion for at-risk students and a firm believer in the power of hands-on, certification-backed CNC machining education. With help from Tormach and NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers), Joe is doing more than teaching machining - he’s building futures.
CNC Machine Education with Real-World Impact
Leonhard teaches a wide range of technical subjects, from welding to automotive, but one of the most transformative elements of his program is CNC Fundamentals - a certification-based course powered by Tormach’s xsTECH desktop CNC router and NC3 curriculum.
“I absolutely love working with students who’ve faced challenges,” said Leonhard. “Our goal is to give them an upward hand and prepare them for a future they may have never thought was possible.”
In a school where many students face poverty or homelessness, Joe’s program helps students earn stackable, industry-recognized credentials in CNC machining. Credentials that help them enter the workforce with confidence and a competitive edge.
In fact, in just a few years, Sheboygan Central High School’s program has exploded in size. The school certified just 13 students in its first year. A few years later in 2025? Over 380 certifications were awarded (in a school of only 200 students).
What Is the xsTECH Desktop CNC Router?
At the heart of this transformation is Tormach’s xsTECH Router, a compact yet powerful desktop CNC machine designed for classrooms and makerspaces.
The xsTECH is:
Because it’s affordable and space-saving, the xsTECH is a go-to tool for educators like Joe who want to maximize access to CNC training, even in unconventional classroom settings.
“We’re in a building from 1922, and I roll every machine in and out of a storage room,” said Leonhard. “The compact footprint of the xsTECH makes it possible to teach CNC without needing a full shop.”
The Power of Certification + Curriculum
Tormach’s partnership with NC3 provides a turnkey certification curriculum that aligns directly with industry needs. The CNC Fundamentals Certification covers:
And once educators complete NC3’s “Train-the-Trainer” course, they have everything needed to start teaching, no curriculum writing required.
“This program wasn’t created by educators…it was created by industry professionals,” said Leonhard. “That’s the beauty of it. It’s what employers need. So it’s exactly what students need to be productive and knowledgeable for their future careers.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Machinists
Sheboygan County, where Leonhard teaches, is home to powerhouse manufacturers like Kohler, Vollrath, Bemis, and Oshkosh Defense. These companies are hiring, and thanks to Joe’s program, his students are ready. Some now work as full-time CNC programmers earning strong salaries straight out of high school.
“Our local industry can’t get enough machinists,” he said. “My students are getting jobs faster than ever, and they’re proud of what they’ve earned.”
Tormach + NC3: Supporting Teachers Nationwide
Joe Leonhard’s story is one of hundreds emerging from schools across the U.S. that partner with Tormach and NC3. Whether your classroom is in a state-of-the-art CTE center or an adapted general ed room, we provide:
As the skills gap grows and American manufacturing demands more talent, educators like Joe are answering the call. And Tormach is proud to support them every step of the way.
“You can be an excellent engineer and never make a functioning part,” Leonhard said. “But when students learn both the programming and the hands-on, that’s when the magic happens.”