EVSC’s Tech Center Wins First at Indiana Machine Trades Contest

The Precision Machine Technology program at the EVSC’s Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center (SICTC) placed first, overall, at the 2013 Indiana Statewide Machine Trades Contest at Vincennes University last Saturday. The contest is sponsored by the Precision Machining Department, College of Technology and Vincennes University. SICTC’s first place award marks the first time that a program from Evansville has earned first place status.

SICTC’s first place team was comprised of Neil Trotter and Kameron Higginson from Gibson Southern High School; Jake Cron, Shawn Miracle and Zack Doleh from Castle High School and Cole Lile from Harrison High School. The class is instructed by James Niehaus.

In addition to winning first place as a team, the following students placed, individually, at the event:
•Neil Trotter (Gibson Southern), 1st place beginning division, received $2,500 worth of tools
•Jake Cron (Castle), 2nd place, beginning division, received $1,000 worth of tools
•Cole Lile (Harrison), 3rd place beginning division, received $200 worth of tools
•Zack Doleh (Castle), 3rd place, CNC division, received $1,500 worth of tools

In addition, Kameron Higginson (Gibson Southern) won $1500 worth of tools for participation.

The Statewide Machining contest is a process set to challenge students in a variety of areas of the precision machining world. Students are required to use math, English, and problem-solving and print-reading skills in all areas of the competition.

In the Beginning division, students are tested on their manipulative skills in the operation of a milling, lathe, and grinding machine. Each student is evaluated on the proper operation of each machine and by producing a particular part off of each machine. The students also are tested on their knowledge of precision machine through a written test.

For the Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) division, students may select to compete in one of two areas – lathe or milling machine. In both areas, students are tested on their knowledge in precision machining with a focus on CNC machining through a written test. Students also are tested on their manipulative skills in the operation of the machine. IN addition, students also create a coded program for a particular part and the program must be able to create the desired part.