Mid-State student wins national gold medal in CNC programming competition
By Patrick Lynn
CENTRAL WISCONSIN — A Mid-State Technical College student has earned a national championship after winning a gold medal in CNC Programming at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.
Austin Young, a student in Mid-State’s Precision Machining Technician program, took first place in the competition, which was held June 1-5 and featured top technical college students from across the country.
The CNC Programming contest tests competitors’ abilities in computer numerical control programming, blueprint interpretation, manufacturing processes, mathematics, precision measurement and problem-solving.
Young said the achievement was the result of years of training and support from instructors.
“Winning a national championship is something I never imagined when I first started as a youth apprentice,” Young said. “The hands-on experience, support from my instructors and opportunities to compete through SkillsUSA challenged me to grow both technically and professionally.”
Young was one of three Mid-State students who qualified for national competition this year. Other Mid-State competitors included Kaila Wineka, who placed eighth in Criminal Justice, and Kris Adams, who finished 18th in Culinary Arts.
Mid-State Precision Machining instructor and SkillsUSA adviser Mike Berry said Young’s performance reflects both his dedication and the quality of training offered through the college’s manufacturing programs.
“This national championship is a tremendous accomplishment for Austin and a testament to the dedication he has shown throughout his training,” Berry said. “Austin’s success demonstrates not only his skill and work ethic but also the strength of the hands-on training and industry-focused education students receive in our Precision Machining Technician program.”
Young’s achievement also highlights the role of Mid-State’s Wayne H. Bushman Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology and Apprenticeship Center, known as the AMETA Center, in Stevens Point. The facility provides advanced manufacturing education, workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities for students pursuing careers in the industry.
Students in the Precision Machining Technician program receive hands-on training using industry-standard equipment and software while developing skills in CNC programming, machining operations, quality control and production processes.
Berry said demand for skilled CNC programmers and machinists continues to grow as manufacturers adopt advanced technologies and automation.
“Competitions like SkillsUSA provide students with an opportunity to showcase their abilities while proving that Mid-State graduates are prepared to excel in the modern manufacturing environment,” Berry said.
The SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference brings together thousands of students from across the United States to compete in more than 100 occupational and leadership contests designed to measure technical proficiency against industry standards.
Young said the experience demonstrated the opportunities available through technical education and advanced manufacturing careers.
“SkillsUSA showed me what’s possible when you commit to learning and continually improving your skills,” he said. “For anyone interested in manufacturing, Mid-State’s Precision Machining Technician program provides the tools, experience and opportunities to build a successful career.”