Skills, Confidence, and Champions with Clint Smith

In this inspiring episode, Toni Neary sits down with industry champion Clint Smith of Mastercam. From his start as a mold maintenance technician to CNC programmer and now a leader in education and workforce development, Clint shares his incredible journey and passion for shaping the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Fresh from SkillsUSA Nationals, Clint and Toni dive into the impact of competitions like SkillsUSA, WorldSkills, and Project MFG. Clint gives an insider's look at what it takes to mentor and support students on a global stage, why these contests matter so much to the industry, and how they build not just technical abilities—but confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Whether you're an educator, employer, or student, this episode will leave you recharged and reminded why investing in skilled trades matters more than ever.