Our country is facing a near-crisis situation in workforce capability and capacity. The negative perceptions around trade careers in manufacturing — from job image to earning potential — have resulted in a rapid decline in US manufacturing workforce and productivity. This decline not only threatens our economic prosperity but poses a real threat to our national security.
Project MFGTM is an organization dedicated to elevating the next generation of highly skilled trade professionals by changing mindsets, fostering community involvement and providing a pathway to teaching the critical skills needed to succeed in modern advanced manufacturing. Through a skills based competition series designed to inspire “moments that spark a movement” and restore America’s industrial base, Project MFG competitions demonstrate problem-solving abilities and technological aptitudes needed to build the next generation of skilled machinists, welders, programmers, mechanics, and fabricators.
Eligibility:
Competitors must be enrolled in a school and/or trade training program in one of the following areas:
Competitors must be a currently enrolled student at one of the following institutions:
Individuals that are currently employed by a manufacturing-related company and are enrolled in a school/program as noted are eligible.
Ineligibility:
A graduate or a student currently employed as an instructor/teacher/teaching assistant/adjunct instructor.
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:
Competitor Requirements:
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 SEC Competition challenges teams to demonstrate their skills in one integrated competition. Skills tested may include (but are not limited to):
