WELDING RODEO RETURNS TO NWTC

Welding sparks will fly again as NWTC brings back its annual Welding Rodeo. This free, family-friendly event celebrates creativity, showcases career opportunities, and connects education with the region's growing workforce needs.

The 2025 Welding Rodeo will be held:

• Marinette Campus - Wednesday, October 1 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sturgeon Bay Campus - Thursday, October 9 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Last year's inaugural events showcased the creativity of local welders and raised scholarship support for NWTC students, while underscoring the region's strong maritime and manufacturing roots.

This community-driven event continues to shine a spotlight to welding and skilled trades. The demand for skilled welders in Wisconsin continues to grow - with projections showing ~9% job growth between 2022-2032 and about 2,090 annual openings in our state alone - according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Local employers are seeking talent to fuel shipbuilding, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects, making welding one of the most in-demand and rewarding careers in the region.

This year's event will once again feature:

• Welding Competitions - Teams of up to four will have eight hours to transform scrap metal into themed sculptures: Hook, Line & Arc (Marinette) and Celestial Sparks: Welding Among the Stars (Sturgeon Bay). Categories include amateur (high school & college), professional, and corporate teams. Winning entries will earn awards and prizes.
• STEM Career Fair - Connect with local employers and NWTC staff to explore pathways in welding, manufacturing, and other growing STEM fields.
• Live Auction of Metal Art - Sculptures created during the competition will be auctioned off to support NWTC welding scholarships.
• Family Activities - Food, music, and entertainment for all ages. Marinette and Sturgeon Bay will also include an Explore Day for area high school students.

The Welding Rodeo provides far more than entertainment-it helps build the region's skilled workforce. Participants test their welding and fabrication skills, sharpen teamwork and leadership, and strengthen safety and troubleshooting abilities, all while connecting education, industry, and community.

"The need for skilled welders continues to grow across our state, and this event shines a spotlight on how education and industry can come together to meet that demand," said Cindy Bailey, NWTC Director of K12 Pathways and Rural Community Impact. "The Welding Rodeo is about more than competition-it's about inspiring future talent, opening doors for high school students, and ensuring our rural communities have access to the careers that sustain and grow our region."

For further details about the Welding Rodeo's schedule, how to get involved, and more, visit www.nwtc.edu/rodeo