For Immediate Release
Central Alabama Community College Students Shine at Project MFG’s National Competition
ALEXANDER CITY, AL – MAY 28, 2024 – Central Alabama Community College (CACC) is proud to announce that four of our talented students from the Machine Shop Technology program competed in Project MFG’s national competition, emerging from a crowded field of colleges to reach the top four.
President Jeff Lynn admired the team’s remarkable achievement: “We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performance at the national level. This competition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the high-quality education they receive at CACC.”
The students, who are part of Patrick Murphy’s machine shop class on the Childersburg campus, advanced to the national competition after demonstrating exceptional machining, programming, and welding skills. Their journey began with a local competition at CACC, where they completed a challenging project that was sent to Project MFG in Kansas for evaluation.
“We had to do a local competition at CACC,” explained Murphy. “When we were finished, we shipped it to Project MFG in Kansas. There were 81 schools that started in the competition. After the first round, they knocked it down to 16 schools. The 16 went to regionals.”
At the regional competition in Greenville, SC, the CACC team was tasked with machining and welding a NASCAR engine intake. They worked under real-life shop conditions, managing their time and resources just as they would in a professional environment.
Dean of Workforce and Economic Development, Michael Barnette, highlighted the importance of this competition for student development. “The students pick this challenge to push themselves into industry-level expertise. Competitions like Project MFG prepare our students for real-world careers by honing their skills and building their confidence.”
The team comprised two machinists/programmers and two welders who had to machine the engine’s throttle body from a solid aluminum block. “They clock in just like at work,” Murphy said. “They have an hourly rate for the machining time and an hourly rate for welding.”
Welding Instructor Ben Bailey emphasized the significance of hands-on experience. “The practical experience gained through competitions like Project MFG is invaluable. Our students are learning technical skills and understanding the importance of quality control and time management.”
After their impressive performance in Greenville, the team was selected as one of the top four schools to compete in Charlotte, NC, for nationals. “Our students diligently worked on various materials and techniques to ensure they were ready for any challenge presented at nationals,” Murphy said. “They demonstrated incredible teamwork and perseverance.”
After their impressive performance in Greenville, the team was selected as one of the top four schools to compete in Charlotte, NC, for nationals. “Our students diligently worked on various materials and techniques to ensure they were ready for any challenge presented at nationals,” Murphy said. “They demonstrated incredible teamwork and perseverance.”
The experience provided invaluable lessons and opportunities for growth. “I am incredibly proud of our students for making it to the national finals,” President Lynn added. “Their dedication has put CACC on the map, and we are excited to see where their skills and determination will take them next.”
Please contact the Office of Workforce and Economic Development for more information about the CACC Machine Shop Technology program or future competitions.
Media Contact:
Scott Hardy
Director of Institutional Advancement, Government Affairs, and Public Relations Central Alabama Community College
shardy@cacc.edu
256-496-2450