The Department of Defense Project MFG winning team includes, from left, Precision Machining Technology Instructors Jerry Bonifield and Dave Berry, student Jacob Ing of Godfrey, graduate Connor Barnard of Edwardsville, student Brendan Caswell of Millstadt, SWIC Technical Education Coordinator Mark Bosworth and Dean of Technical Education Bradley Sparks. 

GRANITE CITY — Southwestern Illinois College technical education students in May won first place in the Integrated Manufacturing category at the recent Department of Defense Project MFG National Competition.

SWIC received $100,000 in prize money that will be divided between scholarships for the students and enhancements for the program. 

“We’ve competed before and done well. We got second place last year. I think improved time management was the key to success this year,” said SWIC Technical Education Coordinator Mark Bosworth. 

The team included Connor Barnard of Edwardsville, Brendan Caswell of Millstadt and Jacob Ing of Godfrey. Coaches were Bosworth and Precision Machining Technology Instructors Jerry Bonifield and Dave Berry.

“I love pushing myself,” said Barnard, a SWIC PMT program graduate in his second year competing in Project MFG.

The team designed and created a complex part using advanced multi-axis CNC technology, as well as welding. 

SWIC competed against 28 other teams from around the country. The goal of the event is to promote advanced manufacturing and highlight the critical need for these careers.

SWIC offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Precision Machining Technology as well as certificates in Precision Machining Technology, CNC Machining, Mastercam, Solid Works, and Advanced CNC Programming; and an AAS in Welding, plus Welding Technology, Welding Technology Advanced, Welding Technology Specialized, and Advanced Welding Manufacturing certificates.

For more information about the SWIC Precision Machining Technology program, visit swic.edu/pmt.