A Calhoun County graduate is bringing home a national championship after proving his machining skills against some of the nation’s top career and technical education students.

Cade Miller, who attended the Calhoun County Career Academy, captured first place in CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 1-5 in Atlanta. WBRC reported the achievement placed him atop a field of competitors from across the country.

Miller’s win also reflects the training he received at the career academy and the encouragement of instructor and SkillsUSA advisor Jonathan Williams.

The Calhoun County Career Academy praised Miller’s accomplishment in a social media post recognizing both the national championship and Williams’ role in preparing students for competition.

Competitors were given a 3D model and challenged to program a CNC lathe to create a part from a solid block of aluminum. The competition also included technical knowledge testing.

Miller’s first-place finish earned him more than $5,000 in awards.

WBRC also reported that Miller will begin an apprenticeship with General Dynamics through Gadsden State Community College. The program will allow him to work three days a week while attending classes on the other two days, giving him an opportunity to continue his education while gaining industry experience and receiving help with tuition.

Miller credited Williams with encouraging him to participate in SkillsUSA, an opportunity that ultimately led to a national championship, and he stated Williams was instrumental in helping him acquire the apprenticeship at General Dynamics.

Miller’s victory was one of 16 gold medals earned by Alabama students at the national conference. Overall, competitors from the state brought home 35 medals, including 14 silver and five bronze.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].