The 29th Annual National Tooling and Machining Association's (NTMA) National Apprentice Competition determined the best of the best in a 2-day competition involving projects in lathe, mill, precision grinding and a compre-hensive exam. Daniel Jorgensen of Omega Tool Inc. (Milwaukee) took top honors. Omega Tool will receive a Charmilles Technologies EDM Die Sinker valued at $50,000, or a 50% discount on other selected machines.

Larry Garrett Jr. of Ahaus Tool and Engineering (Richmond, IN) took second place and Paul Howick of Sipco Molding Technologies (Meadville, PA) took third place. In addition to plaques and tools, all contestants received a wooden tool chest and a copy of the Machinery's Handbook. Participants also earned a scholarship award from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills to cover the cost of registration and testing for industry credentials.