Four Students Earn Spot in Project MFG's National Advanced Manufacturing Championship
Four Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) students recently learned they earned one of four spots in Project MFG’s National Advanced Manufacturing Championship, where they will also be featured in the reality web series, “Clash of Trades.”
Quinn Baughmann (Computer Integrated Machining), Ryan O’Donnell (Computer Integrated Machining), Nate Robbins (Computer Integrated Machining), and Matt Mykut (Metals Fabrication & Welding Technology) competed in multiple qualifying events, joining teams from schools across the nation in a challenging 2023 season of Project MFG’s annual competition.
The competition aims to change the perception of skilled trades and promote successful careers throughout the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing touches many aspects of our daily lives - transportation, medical, technology, and defense are just a few. These critical industries are facing a skills gap, potentially leaving more than 2 million positions unfilled. The lack of interest and engagement from the younger generations is an important factor in that statistic.
Sixteen teams from across the United States competed in the final regional qualifying rounds. They were faced with real-world scenarios and pressure tested to demonstrate the critical skills needed to succeed in modern advanced manufacturing. The teams were challenged to complete a project that consisted of machining multiple pieces on a 5-axis machine and welding a pressure vessel. Of the 16 that participated, four teams were selected and will compete in Project MFG’s National Advanced Manufacturing Championship. In addition to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, the three other teams that will be competing in Greenville, South Carolina, and going head to head for the national title are: Calhoun Community College, Minnesota State College Southeast, and Southwestern Illinois College.
The teams will compete at Greenville Technical College’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation May 9-11, 2023.
"The Project MFG Advanced Manufacturing Competitions pushes boundaries to showcase the skills needed in today’s manufacturing industry," said Bill Ross, President of Project MFG. "Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology took on a difficult challenge during this year's competition series. They competed against programs across the nation to become one of the top four qualifying schools and earn a spot at the National Competition. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has shown that they are up to the challenge. This is not only a success for the students competing that demonstrated skill and talent, but this is also a success for the school’s machining and welding programs that are challenging their students and teaching the next generation the skills needed in today's industry."
Project MFG will share updates on each teams’ journey as they take on the ultimate challenge at the Nationals on their social media channels. Check out last season's Clash of Trades on the Project MFG YouTube channel.
About Project MFG
Project MFG shines a light on the need and opportunities for skilled trades by focusing on the development of new talent to provide a path forward for individuals and our country. Project MFG holds competitions throughout the United States to promote the trades and help advance the next generation of highly skilled trade professionals. As an integrated workforce development and recruitment effort, Project MFG collaborates across communities, the private sector, and government to expand the US industrial base workforce Project MFG is a program of the Global Learning Accelerator Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, partially funded in part by the Department of Defense, and operated and managed by RD Solutions.