HICKORY, N.C.— On March 9, Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) hosted its inaugural Battle of the Trades, a regional high school competition designed to showcase technical skills while connecting students with educational and career opportunities in the skilled trades.

The immersive, hands-on event brought together more than 200 high school students from across the region who are currently enrolled in or interested in Career & College Promise (CCP) pathways. Because CCP students are already earning college credit while exploring career and technical education fields, the Battle of the Trades provided a natural next step for them to apply their skills in a real-world environment.

A key component of the event was the participation of CVCC’s industry partners. Employers from across the region attended to support the competition and connect directly with students.

Held inside CVCC’s Workforce Solutions Complex, the competition featured live contests in welding, electrical systems technology, and automotive systems technology. Students demonstrated their technical abilities through real-world, lab-based challenges designed to reflect industry standards and workplace expectations. By engaging CCP students in a dynamic, hands-on environment, the event was designed to highlight the opportunities available to them after high school.

Beyond the main competitions, students also participated in the Battle of the Trades Quest, an interactive experience that allowed participants to explore additional career pathways. As students moved through different areas of the Workforce Solutions Complex, they were introduced to a variety of skilled trades and professional programs, including machining, engineering, HVAC, public safety, graphic design, cybersecurity, and marine mechanical technology.

“The Battle of the Trades is a reflection of what CVCC values: partnership, innovation, and a shared commitment to workforce development,” said Aden Cranford, Dean of the School of Career and Technical Education at Catawba Valley Community College.

The inaugural Battle of the Trades was made possible through The Nest Egg, a competitive grant initiative created by the Catawba Valley Community College Foundation to support innovative projects that enhance student learning and engagement beyond what traditional state funding allows. Proposed by Ramie Robinson, Department Head of Construction Trades and Engineering Technologies at CVCC, Battle of the Trades was selected as the first Nest Egg Grant recipient following the program’s launch last year.

“Events like this give students the opportunity to showcase the hands-on skills they’ve developed while building meaningful connections with business and industry representatives,” said Robinson. “It’s a powerful way to highlight the talent within our programs and help students see a clear pathway to confidently enter the workforce and begin successful careers in their chosen fields.”

Student Winners:
Automotive Systems Technology

1. Blakely Martin–Maiden High School
2. Julian Johnson–Maiden High School
3. Noah Nguyen–Saint Stephens High School

Electrical Systems Technology

1. Weston Rogers–Alexander Central High School
2. Elijah Harrington–Alexander Central High School
3. Alex Trejo-Sanchez-–Saint Stephens High School

Welding Technology

1. Max Coffin–Saint Stephens High School
2. Alajandro Hernandez–Saint Stephens High School
3. Landon Bumgarner–Bunker Hill High School

 

 Image included: 2026 Battle of the Trades winners.