NWTC’s Second Annual Welding Rodeo Celebrates Community, Craft, and Careers

Sparks were flying across Northeast Wisconsin as NWTC hosted its 2^nd Annual Welding Rodeo events. This free community competition celebrated creativity and highlighted collaboration between education and industry, raising funds for welding scholarships, and fundraising and inspiring the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Held at the College's Marinette and Sturgeon Bay campuses, the two events brough together more than 50 competitors - including industry professionals, local artists, and high school students - to take part in welding challenges that transformed scrap metal into works of art. Sculptures were later auctioned to support future scholarships for students pursuing welding, raising nearly $10,000 this year.

"The Welding Rodeo represents the best of what can happen when our communities, educators, and industry partners unite around a shared purpose," said Cindy Bailey, NWTC director of K12 pathways and rural community impact. "It's about sparking interest, creating opportunity, and ensuring that students across our district see the incredible futures available right here at home."

2025 Welding Rodeo Results

Sturgeon Bay Campus - October 9^th

Professional Division

1^st Place: Totally Trained Xperts (TTX)

2^nd Place: Bay Ship Blazers (Fincantieri)

3^rd Place: Silverfox Welding & Fabricating

Amateur Division

1^st Place: Sparks & Spatter (TTX)

2^nd Place: Preble High School Team #1

3^rd Place: Preble High School Team #2

Marinette Campus - October 1^st

Professional Division

1^st Place: SK Scrap Art

2^nd Place: Johnson Controls

3^rd Place: Silverfox Welding & Fabricating

Amateur Division

1^st Place: Marinette High School

2^nd Place: Eric Extence & Phoenix Christopherson

3^rd Place: Menominee High School

Beyond the sparks and friendly competition, both Welding Rodeo events highlighted the powerful connection between education, industry, and community. By bringing students, skilled professionals, and local businesses together, NWTC continues to strengthen pathways into high-demand careers while supporting the region's workforce needs.

"Community is truly at the heart of successful events like these," said Jim Draeger, NWTC dean of corporate training and economic development. "From K12 partners and industry professionals to local artists and journeyman welders, each person involved helped bring the vision to life - and together, they're a part of something bigger. NWTC is proud to bring this connection, providing a platform where education, industry, and community unite."

NWTC extends its sincere appreciation to the generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers whose support made this year's welding Rodeos possible.

Sturgeon Bay partners: Bay Shipbuilding, L.E. Jones Company, Miller Electric, ExacTech Inc., Kewaunee Fabrications, TTX, Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 400, Fox Valley Metal Tech, Lakeland Door, and Robinson Inc.

Marinette partners: Miller Electric, Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Trade Team LLC, Waupaca Foundry, Samuel Pressure Vessel Group, LE. Jones Company, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust, AWS UP District 12, ChemDesign, KK Integrated Logistics, Johson Controls, Enstrom Helicopter, R.W. Fernstrum, Systems Control, Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 400, Fox Valley Metal Tech, Airgas, Menominee Area Arts Council, and Robinson Inc.