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:
Competitors must be enrolled in a High School level training program in one of the following areas:
Individuals that are currently employed by a manufacturing-related company and are enrolled in a high school program as noted are eligible.
Individuals that graduate from a high school/program during the competition season are eligible for entire competition season.
For example, competitions begins in October, student graduates in December, the competition series concludes in following May, student is eligible for entire competition.
Students may compete in only one competition series per school year. Either in the Advanced Manufacturing or National Machining League.
A school may participate in BOTH competition series, however the students competing in the competitions must be different per series.
Schools may submit up to 3 individual competitors for the National Machining League.
Ineligibility:
A graduate or a student currently employed as an instructor/teacher/teaching assistant/adjunct instructor of a trade school/program in ineligible.
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:
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 scoring scheme will use a 1 to 4 point scale to score each measurable attribute identified in the project.
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 National Machining League challenges students to demonstrate their skills in machining. Skills tested may include (but are not limited to):
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 2 rounds of competition:
Qualification Round:
Round 1 is a remote competition that is done at the school using the school’s equipment and takes place in October – November. The teacher acts as an Honest Broker for this part of the competition. Project MFG sends material, specialized tools, & project documentation to the competing schools. Students complete the project and return the needed documentation to Project MFG.
National Championship:
The top competitors from the qualification round will be invited to attend the National Championship. Qualifying schools will not incur travel or competing costs for the National Championship.