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Listen "Ep 12: From NASCAR to the Frontlines of CTE: Keith Benson on Shaping the Future Workforce"
Episode Synopsis
Keith Benson is the Automotive and Manufacturing Instructor and Engineering Department Chair at Petaluma High School in Sonoma County, California. A former NASCAR technician and Ferrari mechanic, Keith left industry in 2019 to take over and build the very program that shaped his own career. Today, he’s preparing his high school students for in-demand careers by offering a world-class, hands-on education that fuses traditional trades with cutting-edge technology. Under his leadership, his programs have become national standouts — proving what’s possible when students gain confidence early and the power of Career and Technical Education (CTE) opening doors of opportunity for young people. In this interview we cover: > Keith’s Career Path: From high school shop student to NASCAR and Ferrari tech, and back to Petaluma High> Program Revival & Expansion: How Keith helped save and scale the auto and manufacturing programs, doubling class offerings > Real-World Skills & Industry Connections: Students are graduating with job offers, internships, and experience making NASA parts and earning NIMS certifications> The Truth About Technician Pay: We revisit Keith’s viral quote about mechanics earning up to $250K/year, and break down how pay scales, specialization, and hustle impact earnings> Confidence Before Competence: Why exposure, mentorship, and early wins are key to unlocking student potential> AI, Automation & Future Workforce: The coming wave of robotics and how Keith’s preparing students to build, program, and work alongside machines – not be replaced by them> Industry Evolving: Keith’s take on the future of transportation (Electric vs. Hydrogen-powered vehicles)> Work-Based Learning & Equity: Expanding access, bridging the experience gap, and how community and public-private partnerships make it all possible ----- Guest info: Keith Benson, Automotive and Manufacturing Instructor and Engineering Department Chair at Petaluma High SchoolPHASE Boosters – non-profit Keith started that helps fund PHS' CTE ProgramsConnect with The Skilled Project: Founder, Amanda Luchetti; ✉️: [email protected] on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedInSubscribe to newsletter Like the podcast? 🎧Subscribe to the podcastLeave a kickass review Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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