College Students Win State Manufacturing Awards
Virginia Highlands Community College's Precision Machining program earned Gold and Silver medals in the inaugural Virginia Manufacturers Association Future Makers competition.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Financial Aid
Five students at Virginia Highlands Community College engineered the winning projects during the 2025-2026 academic year, earning Gold and Silver medals. The awards were announced Friday evening at the annual VMA Gala in Richmond.
Why it matters
The competition recognizes student-built manufacturing projects in Virginia, highlighting hands-on training pathways for skilled trades. The Gold Medal-winning Ram Pump project was inspired by utility disruptions in Southwest Virginia following Hurricane Helene.
The Ram Pump is a heavy-duty hydraulic pump built from stainless steel, brass, and aluminum that moves water using gravity and pressure without fuel or electricity. The Official Graduation Mace was turned from solid aluminum and brass bar stock with custom-engraved college seal and mascot plates.
The players
Virginia Highlands Community College
A public community college in Abingdon, Virginia, whose Precision Machining program produced the award-winning projects.
Virginia Manufacturers Association
The state trade association that organized the inaugural Future Makers competition and hosts the annual VMA Gala.
The details
Both projects were taken from concept to final assembly in the campus machining lab under the guidance of Program Chair Johnnie Keene. The projects were designed using Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD software, Haas CNC machining centers, manual lathes, and Markforged 3D printers.
Timeline
Friday, November 6, 2026: Awards announced at the VMA Gala in Richmond.
Spring 2026: Official Graduation Mace first used at commencement ceremonies.
2025-2026 academic year: Students engineered the winning projects.
Season Trajectory
The inaugural Future Makers competition marks the first time the Virginia Manufacturers Association has recognized student-built manufacturing projects at the state level. The results showcase community college machining programs as a source of applied manufacturing talent in the state.
Students in Virginia's technical programs gain hands-on experience with CNC machining, CAD design, and 3D printing that aligns with manufacturing careers. The results signal that community college machining programs can produce competition-ready work for residents seeking skilled trades training.
The takeaway
Hands-on technical programs at community colleges can produce work recognized at the state level, offering a practical path into manufacturing for students across Virginia. Prospective students interested in skilled trades may find these programs a cost-conscious route to in-demand careers.
Further reading
Explore related coverage in Financial Aid for more on how students fund hands-on technical training.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Herald.
