Ben Spaunhorst

A+ Scholarship Recipient  |  Current Students  |  Student

Ben Spaunhorst took the first step toward a successful career in Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) after hearing Dave Niermann, associate professor and coordinator of SCC’s CAD program, speak at Francis Howell High School. Ben's interest in the program was piqued, and he and his father visited Niermann to learn more about it. 

He enrolled in SCC's program with grades that allowed him to take advantage of the free tuition available through the A+ Schools Program (of which Francis Howell is a member). The A+ Schools program provides students who have graduated and successfully met the requirements from a designated A+ Missouri high school the ability to continue their education at any public community college or technical school within Missouri tuition-free.

Ben saw how much his instructors had a lot to offer when he started classes at SCC. The department also offered students the opportunity to participate in an exhibition and competition and learn from a voluntary CAD advisory board made up of community professionals.

After Ben completed his studies, Neirmann helped him develop a resume that landed him a job at W-B Industries in O’Fallon as a CAD drafter. Ben's skills enabled him to quickly work his way up from project manager to senior project manager of the Aerospace Manufacturing Division. He is now the manger of project management and oversees the entire department consisting of CAD drafters, material planners and junior project manager. As the company increases its aerospace work, he will continue to be involved with mentoring and developing new workers into capable project managers.

Last updated: March 6, 2017