Joel Leonard, who grew up in Davidson County and went to Lexington Senior High School, introduces youth to equipment and machinery used in modern manufacturing. He works to foster technician skills and grow the talent pool for these jobs. He has a mobile makerspace, Makesboro USA, and an SUV he uses to transport equipment to teach young minds.
Leonard says it’s critical for the Boomers to mentor more youth, while kids are teaching older adults about new technology. “That’s why a makerspace is so important, because not only the youth learn, the older folks are becoming engaged and involved,” he said.
A makerspace is an environment, such as a workroom, where people can create and fix things, share ideas and develop skills using machinery.
A CNC (computer numerical control) machine, a laser engraver and a 3D printer are among the items in his mobile makerspace. CNC machines are…
