Courtesy Photo From left to right: Alpena Community College students Ethan Johnson, Tanner Hatch, Rachel Baker, Garet McQuarrie, Ethan Chase, Harrison Butch, Ashton Hauff presenting their medals from the the2023 SkillsUSA Michigan State Leadership and Skills Conference in this photo provided by the Manufacturing and Technology group.

ALPENA — Last week, Alpena Community College’s Manufacturing Technology Group competed in the 2023 SkillsUSA Michigan State Leadership and Skills Conference and walked away with several medals.

SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization that aims to connect students, teachers, and industry workers in the hopes of fostering connections and developing the skilled workforce of the future.

As a part of this, SkillsUSA hosts a number of competitions all over the country that test skills ranging anywhere from welding to baking.

ACC students competing included Ethan Johnson, Tanner Hatch, Rachel Baker, Garet McQuarrie, Ethan Chase, Harrison Butch, Ashton Hauff.

Last weekend’s event was held in Grand Rapids and saw the Manufacturing Technology Group take home five gold medals in Computer numerical control (CNC) technician, CNC turning, CNC milling, manual milling, and technical drafting, and six silver medals in technical drafting, welding overall, gas metal arc welding, and team welding.

“You don’t really know what you’re dealing with til you get there,” Andrew Paad, the Manufacturing Technology Group’s advisor said when asked how the group prepared for the conference. “We prepared by just practicing our trade.”

Of the medalists, four of them qualified for the nationals event, but as of now it remains undecided whether or not any of them are going to attend.

ACC’s Manufacturing Technology Group is a collaboration between several departments, including Machine Tool Technology, CAD Engineering Technology and Welding Technology aimed at enhancing students’ manufacturing skills and giving them chances to practice those skills through testing competitions like SkillsUSA.