Manufacturing is currently grappling with a significant challenge: a workforce gap that threatens both productivity and national security. Negative perceptions surrounding trade careers—stemming from concerns about job image and earning potential—have led to a rapid decline in skilled workers entering the field. This shortage not only jeopardizes economic growth but also diminishes the United States’ industrial capabilities and national safety.
Project MFG is addressing this challenge head-on by actively working to elevate the importance of careers in manufacturing and bridge the workforce gap. Through innovative competitions, Project MFG highlights the excitement and potential of trade careers, changing the narrative around what it means to work in manufacturing.
Project MFG fosters an environment of collaboration and teamwork through skills-based competitions that bring greater visibility to the students and skilled workers essential for success in modern manufacturing. These competitions not only demonstrate the technical abilities needed in the field but also emphasize the importance of problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration. Competitors are challenged to work on real-world projects, enabling them to develop a diverse skill set that meets employers’ evolving needs.
Through its initiatives, Project MFG is not only shaping a new generation of skilled workers but also revitalizing the image of manufacturing careers. By inspiring and equipping the workforce of tomorrow, Project MFG is playing a crucial role in addressing the challenges facing the manufacturing industry and reinforcing the foundation of American economic strength.
Eligibility:
At the beginning of the school year, competitors must be enrolled in a school and/or trade training program in one of the following areas:
Competitors must be currently enrolled students at one of the following institutions:
There is no age requirement or limitation.
Only one student from previous teams will be allowed to compete in subsequent competitions. For example, a school that competed in last season’s competition with a 4-person team may only bring one team member from that competition season’s team forward to compete again in the current competition season’s team. Exceptions to this rule will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the competition team at Competitions@projectmfg.com with questions.
Individuals who are currently employed by a manufacturing-related company and are enrolled in a school/program as noted, are eligible.
Individuals who graduate from a school/program during the competition season are eligible for the entire competition season. For example, if the Advanced Manufacturing competitions begins in October, the student graduates in December, and the Advanced Manufacturing competition concludes in the following May, the student is eligible for the entire competition.
Students on a competing team do not need to be from the same school and/or training program.
Students may compete on only one team for a given competition series.
An institution may only sponsor one team per competition series.
An instructor/sponsor may only sponsor 1 team per competition series.
For Individual competitions, there may be a limit on the number of competitors per institution/instructor.
Ineligibility:
A graduate or a student currently employed as an instructor/teacher/teaching assistant/adjunct instructor of a trade school/program.
An individual only enrolled in a course of study not related to the Project MFG competition training programs listed under the eligibility section does not meet the student eligibility requirement.
Competitors must adhere to the safety requirements of their respective school or location. A list of the minimum safety requirements is provided below. Should any safety questions arise or issues encountered, stop work and seek further guidance from your instructor, site supervisor, or competition coordinator.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
General Rules:
Competitors will need to provide proof of enrollment in one of the classes listed above at the beginning of the competition as well as for regionals and finals as applicable.
Disqualification:
Project MFG reserves final authority for all rulings and rules interpretations.
Project MFG will coordinate subject matter experts to evaluate and score competing teams’ projects. Project MFG competitions are referenced to recognized industry skills requirements and certifications. Preparation for, and competing in, Project MFG competitions provides practical experience against these requirements as a means to help accelerate competitors in their industry jobs and in gaining certifications.
The assessment of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be judged by the execution of a functional project. Written theory tests are not included in the competition although some detailed drawings and inspection results may have to be produced during the competition and submitted for scoring.
The scoring rubric assesses skills identified in the industry certifications and reflects performance against them as comprehensively as possible within the constraints of a controlled competition.
The Project MFG Advanced Manufacturing Competition challenges teams to demonstrate their skills in an integrated competition. Skills tested may include:
Competitors should expect to experience and manage real world situations such as change orders, project delays, & time management challenges.
This is a national competition consisting of 3 rounds of competition:
ROUND 1 – Qualification Round:
Round 1 is a remote competition that is done at the team’s school using the team’s equipment and takes place in October 14 – November 17, 2025. The team advisor/sponsor acts as an Honest Broker for this part of the competition. Project MFG sends material, specialized tools, and project documentation to the competing schools. Teams complete the project and return project and documentation to Project MFG on November 19, 2025. This round of competition is limited to 3-axis milling, but may also include inspection, and additive manufacturing.
Teams will be broken into 16 districts and will compete within their district. Each district winner will then move on to compete in a regional round. District size and distribution will be allocated upon completion of registration.
ROUND 2 – Regional Rounds:
In Round 2, the 16 top teams from the Qualification round will move forward to compete in 4 Regional competitions. These will take place at sites across the United States. Each Regional competition will produce a winner that moves on to compete in the National Championship. Qualifying schools will not incur travel or competing costs for these competitions. Regional rounds of competition will step up the level of skills and further integrate the manufacturing processes. Competitors should expect to be tested in: 5-axis CNC Machining, additive design, and production.
ROUND 3 – National Championship:
The top team from each of the 4 Regional competitions will be invited to attend Project MFG’s Advanced Manufacturing National Championship that will be featured in Project MFG’s “Clash of Trades” video series. Qualifying schools will not incur travel or competing costs for the National Championship.