Students from Great Basin College’s Manufacturing Machining Technology program in Pahrump have once again earned national recognition by advancing in Clash of the Trades, a highly competitive, national manufacturing competition produced by Project MFG. This marks the second year GBC students have qualified for the event, placing the program among the top 16 of 53 schools nationwide in the Advanced Manufacturing category.
Designed to mirror real-world industry demands, Clash of the Trades challenges student teams with intensive, time-sensitive fabrication projects. During the competition, GBC students Bryan Zana, Chad (CJ) Case, Jacob Hall, Mayson Williamson, and Jonathan Wichael, under the guidance of GBC instructor Eric Andersen, machined precision components for a robotic arm assembly. Their work included a hydraulic manifold, custom end effectors, and 3D-printed handles, demonstrating advanced CNC machining, accuracy, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure.
For the students, the competition provided hands-on experience that closely reflects professional manufacturing environments. Jonathan Wichael shared that the opportunity strengthened his technical skills while reinforcing the importance of collaboration, while Bryan Zana noted that competing under tight deadlines helped sharpen his ability to perform effectively in high-pressure settings.
"I love to challenge myself," Zana said. "This competition has helped me attain the skills necessary for me to advance in my manufacturing career."
Instructor Eric Andersen emphasized that the competition closely aligns with the program’s curriculum and workforce goals, noting that it showcases the level of technical proficiency students develop while highlighting manufacturing as a viable and rewarding career pathway.
Offered in Pahrump as both an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate, GBC’s Manufacturing Machining Technology program prepares students for entry-level employment across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, robotics, mining, agriculture, welding fabrication, and aerospace. Through hands-on instruction in manual machining and advanced CNC operations, students graduate ready to pursue National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials and meet the needs of Nevada’s evolving workforce.
The team will next advance to a regional, in-person competition, where they will compete against other qualifying schools at a host institution equipped to support advanced manufacturing challenges.
This achievement underscores the strength of GBC’s workforce training programs and the college’s continued commitment to preparing students for high-demand technical careers while earning national recognition for Great Basin College.
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For more information about GBC's Manufacturing Machining Technology program, contact Eric Andersen at: eric.andersen@gbcnv.edu