Three Nash Community College welding students have advanced through early rounds of a national competition, showcasing their technical skills and representing the college on a national stage.
Students Jackson Stitt, Rayna Griffin and Travis Pate competed in the 2025–26 season of the Project MFG National Welding League (NWL), a project-based competition designed to challenge student welders through multiple qualifying rounds leading to a national championship.
In Round 1, competitors were tasked with fabricating a replica of the Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego, California. All three NCC students successfully completed the project and advanced to Round 2.
In the second round, students completed a California covered bridge fabrication project as part of the next phase of competition. Based on instructor scoring and project submissions, Pate advanced and is now eligible for consideration for Round 3 and the National Championship.
Final selections for advancement to the national level are determined by Project MFG officials. Pate’s status for advancement is expected to be confirmed later this month.
“I am incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, dedication and craftsmanship throughout this competition,” said Wanda Tyson, department chair of applied engineering technologies at NCC. “Advancing through multiple rounds at the national level speaks to the strength of our welding program and the commitment of our students and faculty.”
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students and a reflection of the high-quality, hands-on training taking place at Nash Community College,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC “Opportunities like this allow our students to demonstrate their skills on a national stage while reinforcing the importance of workforce education and the skilled trades in today’s economy.”
The National Welding League culminates in a live National Championship event, where top competitors from across the country are invited to compete at no cost. The top welding student is eligible to receive a $10,000 grand prize, and the competition will be featured in the video series Clash of Trades – Welding Edition.
NCC also participates in SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a national organization of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America maintains a skilled workforce. Nash Community College students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, can benefit from programs and experiences leading to job readiness. Students also have the opportunity to compete in state and national competitions where they demonstrate occupational and leadership skills and win valuable prizes.
“Nash Community College is proud to be a SkillsUSA college. Our entire campus stands behind this program and its students, who continue to represent NCC with excellence and make us proud year after year through their accomplishments,” said Dr. Hunnicutt.
NCC welding instructor Daniel Selby has played a key role in preparing and mentoring students throughout the competition.
The Project MFG National Welding League is designed to highlight the importance of skilled trades and provide students with real-world, hands-on challenges that reflect industry demands.
For more information about the Project MFG National Welding League, visit:
https://projectmfg.com/competitions/national-welding/
