Photo courtesy of Project MFG: Austin Kidd (CNC Machinist/CNC Programmer),Ben Blanton (Welder), and Ty Whitson (CNC Machinist/CNC Programmer). Story as printed in the Q4 2024 ACCS Alabama Minute Newsletter.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated that Coastal Alabama Community College claimed third place. The correct information is that Central Alabama Community College claimed third place in the national Clash of Trades Championship.

The 2024 Project MFG Clash of Trades Championship was more than a national competition – it was a showcase of skill, precision, and the future of American manufacturing. Calhoun Community College secured a first-place finish, while Central Alabama Community College claimed third, proving Alabama community colleges are a force on the national stage.

“The teams were judged on time, cost, and quality,” said Project MFG Marketing Manager Amy Moyer. “By including time in our evaluation, we mimic the industry’s fast-paced demands.”  This real-world focus gets students ready for careers in advanced manufacturing.

The championship featured a $100,000grand prize, split between the winning team and their school, and what’s more, the competition is free for all participating schools. Project MFG even covers travel costs to the competition. This means every school has a fair shot at competing.

In 2024, every moment of the competition was captured on YouTube, giving a global audience a front-row seat. “We wanted to document the whole journey, from regional challenges to the national finals,” said Moyer. “By showing every step, we were able to highlight the amazing talent of all the participants, even the ones who didn’t win.”

The championship also works to shift how we view skilled trades. “We’re challenging the old stereotype of trades as dark, dirty, and dangerous. Today’s manufacturing facilities are often clean, high-tech environments,” said Moyer.

Clash of Trades not only showcased the top skills of today’s students but also confirmed that the future of manufacturing is in talented and innovative hands.