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Kansas City, MO — Last Friday, Project MFG, an organization focused on in promoting skilled trades education and workforce development, proudly hosted its first-ever hometown welding competition and career discovery event on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Metropolitan Community College’s (MCC) Advanced Technical Skills Institute.. Designed to be more than just a competition, the event brought together students, educators, industry experts and community leaders for a day full of celebrating and advancing the skilled trades.
Held in Kansas City, Project MFG’s office home base, this event marked a significant step in strengthening local partnerships and increasing regional engagement. While Project MFG has led competitions and initiatives all across the nation and even internationally, this hometown event signified a new chapter of deeper investment in the local community and newfound partnership with Metropolitan Community College (MCC).
The day began with opening remarks from Project MFG Founder Ray Dick, who shared his excitement for the event and finally establishing a local presence.
“Our office is down in Westport, MO, and so we’re local, but we don’t have a great local footprint, and that was intentionally on me. I own that, in history, and it was on me because, as a representative of the Department of Defense, we wanted a national footprint,” said Dick. “We’ve had competitors from I think 47 or 48 states, and we’ve had actual physical events in about 18 to 20 US States…. I've lost count. We’ve been in Europe for three years in a row. We’ve been all over, and guess what? It’s time to put a footprint in Kansas City; that is what I’m about.” Today is really the launch of not only our MCC here in welding, but it’s the start of a great relationship between Project Manufacturing and MCC.”
Dick emphasized the broader mission of Project MFG: to ignite passion for trades and bridge the growing skills gap by connecting young talent with hands-on opportunities and mentorship from industry professionals.
Joining him on stage was Dr. Tammy Robinson, President of MCC–Penn Valley Campus, who addressed the importance of technical education in empowering students and supporting economic development.
“I tell students this all of the time, but for the rest of your life, this is part of your story, this event will be part of your journey, so it’s always a big deal. I don’t care how small the certification. I don’t care how small the training. You have something that makes you special. Today is that special day, so please enjoy this day, and we are here to support you.”
As part of the career discovery activities, students engaged with Shanen Aranmor of the American Welding Society, who discussed a wide range of career opportunities within the welding industry, the importance of industry certifications, and strategies to help students boost their skills and credentials. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights into building a rewarding career in the trades.
Participants also toured Metropolitan Community College’s state-of-the-art welding facility. A key highlight was the Project MFG Mobile Interactive Experience — a dynamic, hands-on exhibit that introduced students to advanced manufacturing tools such as CNC machining, laser engraving, 3D printing, and more.
The welding competition itself was a test of skill, precision, and focus under pressure for 24 local welding students. During the welding competition, students were given just two hours to complete a project, demonstrating their welding techniques, adherence to safety protocols, equipment handling, and problem-solving abilities. Project MFG competitions are designed to challenge students’ technical skills and precision under real-world conditions. A panel of expert welders and industry professionals judged the competition, evaluating weld quality, measurement precision, and overall craftsmanship.
Meet the winners:
First-Place:
Matt Kunsch
Metropolitan Community College
Second-Place:
Jacob Nicholson
Northland Career Center
Third-Place:
Jesse College
Metropolitan Community College
Honorable Mention:
Leo Walsh
Northland Career Center
Event Photos
about Metropolitan Community College Advanced Technical Skills Institute
MCC-Penn Valley’s Advanced Technical Skills Institute is a fully remodeled 101,108-square-foot facility located in the heart of Kansas City (and easily accessible via public transportation). The ATSI is home to MCC’s high-quality, high-demand skilled-trades programming.’Everything in the facility was dreamed and designed with the input and expertise of our instructors and students. We also consulted with major employers in our area, who were glad to share exactly what skills and experience our program graduates need when they enter the field.
about project mfg
Project MFG is a catalyst that helps elevate the next generation of highly skilled trade professionals by changing mindsets, fostering community preparedness, and challenging how the critical skills needed to succeed in modern advanced manufacturing are taught. Through single and multiple technology competitions, participants gain hands-on experience with the latest technology and support from subject matter experts
For more information about Project MFG competitions and future events, please visit projectmfg.com or contact marketing@projectmfg.com.
