CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – Central Alabama Community College (CACC) recently had four students from its Machine Shop Technology program reach the top four in Project MFG’s national competition.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performance at the national level,” said CACC President Jeff Lynn. “This competition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the high-quality education they receive at CACC.”
The students from Patrick Murphy’s machine shop class on the Childersburg campus advanced to the nationals after showcasing exceptional machining, programming, and welding skills. Their journey began with a local competition at CACC, followed by a submission to Project MFG in Kansas, where they stood out among 81 schools.
In the regional competition in Greenville, S.C., the team machined and welded a NASCAR engine intake under real-life shop conditions.
“The students pick this challenge to push themselves into industry-level expertise,” Michael Barnette, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at CACC, stated. “Competitions like Project MFG prepare our students for real-world careers by honing their skills and building their confidence.”
Comprising two machinists/programmers and two welders, the team advanced to the nationals in Charlotte, N.C., after their remarkable performance in Greenville.
The practical experience gained through competitions like Project MFG is invaluable,” CACC Welding Instructor Ben Bailey emphasized. “Our students are learning technical skills and understanding the importance of quality control and time management.”
President Lynn concluded, “Their dedication has put CACC on the map, and we are excited to see where their skills and determination will take them next.”
