Northwood Tech sparks skill and innovation with a welding competition

Throughout the Northland, College students learning about welding gathered at Northwood Tech College in Superior. These aspiring workers in the welding trade competed in the Behind the Mask welding competition on Wednesday, March 5th.

This one of a kind event was held in partnership with the American Welding Society. The goal is for college students to demonstrate their skills in several welding techniques.

During the event, there was also an accompanying Welding Career & Vendor Fair. Various tabling and booths provided the students a chance to connect with industry professionals, learn more networking opportunities and insights into career pathways within the skilled trades.

The Behind the Mask competition lasted over 4 hours. Some of the different tasks involved Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). Students demonstrated their abilities to various judges, instructors, and potential employers. Each competitor highlighted theie technical precision and craftsmanship required for a career in welding.

“This competition not only allows students to test their skills in a real-world setting but also helps them build connections within the industry,” said Aleasha Hladilek, welding instructor at Northwood Tech. “It’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their abilities and gain exposure to potential employers. Plus, they all had fun competing against their peers.”

Following the afternoon of strong competition, awards were presented at 4:30 p.m. Two Northwood Tech students won in the SMAW and GMAW categories. Jace Carlson placed first in the SMAW competition while Jack Spencer placed second in the GMAW competition.

“It was great to contribute to the welding competition. It was fun to see all the people from the other colleges,” Jace Carlson, welding student at Northwood Tech.

Programs like Northwood Technical College’s one-year Welding Technical Diploma give students the support to build active skills. These lessons include welding, reading blueprints, and metal fabrication, but also working with advanced tools such as robotic welders and plasma cutters.

Events like the Behind the Mask welding competition support Northwood Tech’s goal of helping students learn skills for in-demand careers. Also for more information about Northwood Technical College’s welding programs, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/Welding.