CACC Welding Students Advance in National Project MFG Competition

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Three CACC welding students advanced to the second round of the Project MFG National Welding League after completing a demanding fabrication project that tested technical skill, accuracy, and teamwork.

Brody Price, Dawson Pitts, and Ethan Price earned their place in the next round by building a replica of the San Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego, a project that required close attention to detail and strong blueprint reading skills.

To complete the bridge, the students used both stick welding and MIG welding processes, translating complex plans into a finished structure that met competition standards. The project required precise measurements, clean welds, and consistent execution from start to finish.

Welding instructor Ben Bailey said the project pushed the students to rely on the fundamentals they’ve been developing in the shop.

“They had to read the prints correctly, think through each step, and make adjustments as they went,” Bailey said. “That’s how welding works in the field, and they handled it well.”

CACC’s presence in the competition extended beyond one team. Varitie Clifton, Lance Willis, and Carlos Valdes, students from the Central of Clay County dual enrollment site, also competed in the league under the guidance of instructor Patrick Grammer. Their participation highlights the role dual enrollment plays in preparing students early for technical careers.

Grammer said the experience gave his students a chance to apply classroom instruction to a real-world challenge.

“They were expected to follow specifications, manage their time, and produce quality work,” Grammer said. “That kind of experience sticks with students and helps them understand what the job will demand.”

The Project MFG National Welding League challenges students in scenarios that mirror industry expectations, emphasizing precision, efficiency, and problem-solving. By advancing to the second round, CACC students are now among the top competitors from programs across the country.

Michael Barnette, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development, said competitions like Project MFG help bridge the gap between training and employment.

“These opportunities give students a clear sense of how their skills translate beyond the classroom,” Barnette said. “They’re gaining confidence and experience that will serve them well in the workforce.”

The competition will continue with additional rounds as teams move closer to the national finals.

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