Carbon Career & Technical Institute hosted its third annual Precision Machining Contest on Tuesday.

The following students and instructors participated in the event:

• Monroe County Technical Institute: Jim Granahan, instructor, and John Bongiovanni, student.

• Schuylkill Technology Center: Fred Cicero, instructor, and Trevor Greblick, student.

• Career Institute of Technology of Easton: Mike Loureiro, instructor, and Trent Cressman, student

• Carbon Career & Technical Institute: Kevin Kuehner, instructor, and Cameron Ahner, student.

Participants from the Hazleton Career Center planned to attend but were unable to because of inclement weather.

“The contest provides an excellent opportunity for students from local CTCs to showcase their machining skills and practice for upcoming SkillsUSA district competitions,” said Dave Reinbold, CCTI administrative director.

The contest had a written and performance component. The students had to machine two parts to specifications.

“The activity helps to promote the manufacturing and precision machining fields and raise awareness of the job market and the demand/shortage of machinists,” said Kevin Kuehner, CCTI precision machining instructor.

Jesse Schneck, a machinist with Crayola in Easton, was the contest judge. Schneck is a graduate of CCTI.

Bongiovanni placed first and received a $50 Walmart gift card and a 6-inch caliper donated by Camden Tools.

The other contestants were rewarded with $25 gift cards as well as the 6-inch caliper.

“It was great to see the machining skills of these outstanding students on display,” said state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon. “Events like this help to showcase the benefits of a career and technical education and how it can lead to a promising career.”

Following the event, the students and instructors were treated to a luncheon prepared by the CCTI culinary arts students.