Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is proud to announce that three students from the Computer Integrated Machining program have proven their experience and grit on the national stage, winning Project MFG’s National Clash of the Trades! Shaun Hershey, Trevor Masterson, and Hayden Telford earned their place as first among the country’s top manufacturing students with a $100,000 prize, competing against three other machining teams on precision, troubleshooting, and teamwork to overcome every challenge thrown at them!
About Project MFG
Project MFG is a national tournament-style competition series built to elevate the next generation of skilled trades professionals and inspire a movement to restore America’s industrial base. The Advanced Manufacturing Competition challenges teams on integrated manufacturing processes, including 5-axis CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and metrology, while navigating real-world curveballs like change orders, project delays, and tight deadlines, all in pursuit of a final product built to precise specifications.
This year, 16 teams competed across four regional sites nationwide. The winning team from each region advances to the National Championship at no cost, where four of the most skilled student teams in the trades will competed for the title of Project MFG National Champion and a $100,000 prize.
Meet the Bulldogs
Trevor Masterson, of Quarryville, Pennsylvania, came to Thaddeus Stevens College for the Computer Integrated Machining program and its proximity to home. During the competition, he found the camaraderie with teammates and competitors just as meaningful as the competition itself, and he’s eager to carry that drive into his career in machining.
Shaun Hershey, also of Quarryville, followed friends’ recommendations to Thaddeus Stevens College, where curiosity about machining grew into a passion for CAM programming and running CNC machines. He’s looking forward to building his career in the trade.
Hayden Telford traveled from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, drawn by the College’s reputation for CNC machining. He’s tackled unexpected challenges in fixturing and tool selection, and dreams of one day building amusement park rides that bring joy to people.
From the Classroom to the National Stage
The success of these three students reflects the applied, practical education at the heart of the Computer Integrated Machining program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Students here do not just learn theory in the classroom, they build the skills and confidence to compete, and win, on a national stage.
With the prize money, the students each take home a portion, and a portion will go directly to the academic program at the College.
Thaddeus Stevens College congratulates Trevor, Shaun, and Hayden on their national victory! Their win stands as proof of what hands-on technical education can produce: not just skilled tradespeople, but national champions ready to lead the next generation of American manufacturing.